The World of Urusei Yatsura's Lum
Urusei Yatsura - RPG, Movies, Episodes & Stories => RPG Storylines & FanFiction => Topic started by: Lum-chan on October 24, 2004, 05:51:42 AM
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By Jocko on Monday, May 22, 2000 - 18:38:
That's right, we're back. This is the only way Parias and I can continue to "keep it real" as it were.
This is a side story set between storyline one and two. The narrative picks up about ten days to two weeks after the ending of "Mendou 1/2 And The Coming Invasion."
At its core, this is the story of Ryouko Mendou and Warren Hudson making sense of their relationship and making a commitment to each other. It's also Ryouko's seventeenth birthday; expect all the requisite madness.
There will be some risky content when it comes to sex, language, and absurdity. If the webmaster has any opinions and/or restrictions on these things, speak up please.
I'll also have to consider posting my UY fanfic "Inside The Fascist Bathroom" here. It'll need a lot of editing for language if that's what must be done.
Let's Rock!
(RP ON)
TIME: 10:30AM
LOCATION: Tomobiki, Japan, Earth. Elegant Lady Night Wear shop.
DATE: Sunday, August 13, 1985.
Ataru Moroboshi happily walked down the street towards his new job. Every once in a while he would giggle with lust-filled anticipation, "Hehe, Lum'll never find out..."
Hopefully.
Yesterday Ataru had been hired as a new customer service representative in the Tomobiki Elegant Lady Night Wear outlet.
Naturally, this was behind Lum and everyone else's back. Even more naturally, Ataru was thinking up of various hentai fantasies involving women and their underwear, plus adding into the mix his new status as a customer service representative.
Ataru giggled again as he approached the store for his first day on the job. This was a dream come true!
Across town at the Mendou Mansion something quite different from Ataru's gleeful situation was happening.
In a quiet corridor Warren Hudson was creeping stealthily along, making almost no sounds whatsoever.
Since it was early in the morning Warren wasn't properly dressed, he knew this to be a bad thing.
A bad thing in that here he was, deciding to go and eat breakfast in one of the Mansion's smaller kitchens, completely forgetting that Shutaro Mendou probably had seen him coming out of Ryouko's rooms dressed only in a simple black bathrobe of silk.
In the past two weeks, Warren had enough of Shutaro giving him the death stare and the constant admonishments about "keeping away from her."
Even when Ryouko made it clear it was not any of his business and her parents backed her up 100%.
So in a moment of morning forgetfulness Hudson was reduced to sneaking, nearly naked to tell the truth, around the corridors back to Ryouko's room.
Warren breathed a hefty sigh of relief when he was within sight of Ryouko's door. Only a few more seconds and home free...
"Stop!" a loud voice rang out.
Hudson tried to act startled, "Shit! Shutaro! What the hell are you doing here, scaring old men after they've had their oatmeal?"
Shutaro Mendou, fully dressed with a nice completely ashen look on his face; completely devoid of his usual bishounen charms, stepped forth slowly.
"You dirty old man," he sneered in a low growl, "you may think you've fooled my parents...but they'll come around."
Hudson leaned against Ryouko's closed door with a loud sigh, "I say again, I am not fooling anyone. It's Ryouko's choice how close to myself she wants to be."
Mendou laughed harshly, "she's got you by the toe, Hudson. And I'll have you by the sword if you're not carefull..." and he let that trail off menacingly.
(RP OFF)
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By Parias on Tuesday, May 23, 2000 - 10:22:
(RP ON)
Hudson was attempting to figure out a clever and yet somehow witty way to make Shutaro go away when the door suddenly opened, sending Hudson's nerves scrambling in an attempt to maintain his balance. He managed without too much effort.
Ryouko poked her head out, looking tired and slightly annoyed. She stared at Shutaro.
"Dear brother, if you must run about the house razzing other people, at least go annoy the Kuroko or a servant."
"But.."
Before Shutaro could work out a response, Ryouko yanked Hudson inside the room by the arm and slammed the door shut, nearly breaking Shutaro's nose. He growled, clenching and unclenching his fists.
"One of these days, you'll slip up, and then-"
"What the hell is going on out there?" muttered a feminine voice from a little ways down the hall. The door opened, and Terra stepped out, covered in a blue nightgown. The Mendou family had agreed to provide her with a room in the mansion untill she could settle down somewhere and get started with a job. Hudson was trying to steer her away from something that involved killing people, but she had a good interest in the mysterious group known as the "FBI". She'd have to look into it more.
"Nothing, you can head back to sleep."
Terra raised an eyebrow and let a small smirk slide onto her expression. She had heard what appeared to be Hudson talking a few moments earlier, and had a pretty good idea as to what was going on. It wasn't the first time, from what she gathered.
"Give it up Shutaro, you're not about to win against him. And anyways, if you want to stand a chance, you've got to be more.... subversive."
A blink was her response. "Huh? What exactly do you mean 'subversive'?"
She winked at him and walked back inside of her room, quietly closing the door behind her. Despite the fact that she was mostly on Hudson's side with this whole issue, she had to do SOMETHING to keep her life interesting, as she was having trouble adjusting to the massively slower pace her life was currently running at. And if Shutaro was half the person he appeared to be, then she had set in motion the gears that would probably keep her entertained for a little while. She yawned and got back in bed, trying to go back to sleep for a few more minutes.
Meanwhile, over at the Moroboshi household......
"DARLING!!!!"
Mrs. Moroboshi scrambled to keep the fragile plates on the counter nearby from shaking off and shattering on the ground as an ear-piercing scream was let loose from upstairs. Shortly after, as she semi-expected would happen, the ever-familar green haired Oni girl that was often the bane of her existence (when Ataru wasn't getting into trouble) came scrambling downstairs, breathless.
"Where's darling??" she panted desperately.
"He murmured something about going for a long walk and left a little while ago.." said Mrs. Moroboshi with a small frown. "He didn't tell you?"
Lum shook her head, then a scowl crossed her face. "Wait, I know, he's trying to see Shinobu again! I thought we had worked through that!" Without another word, she bounded outside and took off into the sky.
Ataru's mother let loose her patented sigh. "Why me?" she muttered.
(RP OFF)
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By Jocko on Tuesday, May 23, 2000 - 18:46:
(RP ON)
She was a looker, Ataru thought. Nice hips, an ass to die for, and two nice handfuls on the chest.
"Good morning, miss!" Ataru said meerily from behind the counter. Not knowing that his boss, Mrs. Yamaguchi was eyeing his performance critically from behind a panty display.
"Good morning," the woman reponded with a smile. An actual smile to Ataru not from Lum or Shinobu two years distant.
"Is there anything in particular you happen to have in mind on this fine morning?" Ataru was starting to feel his pants becoming peculiarly tight.
"Hmm," the woman smiled thoughtfully; Ataru relished this in sweet anticipation. "Something in lace maybe...?"
"L-l-ll...lace?" Ataru drooled. Various hentai warnings started to go off in Ataru's head; both of them.
Ms. Yamaguchi smiled at this exchange, at last another youthful man! Most didn't apply for jobs in places like this because of embarassment.
Briefly, Ms. Yamaguchi thought that a rather feminine looking teenage boy was about to come in the store. But she quickly walked on, only sparing a glance inside.
Yamaguchi shrugged and turned her attention back to Ataru who was giving recommendations in the Lace section with the customer.
Across town...
"This is simply too expensive!" Shinobu said angrily to the perfume store clerk. "Russian Roses for 1000 yen?!?"
"Miss," the clerk said suavely, "if that doesn't suit you maybe you would be more interested in 'Frugal Oranges?'"
"Pah!" Shinobu turned on her heel and left the store.
Only to smack face first into Lum as she was flying down the sidewalk.
"Lum!"
"Shinobu!!! What have you done with Darling?!?" Lum was growling with her fangs beared.
"Done...?" Shinobu could see that Lum was ready to fight. And for the first time in about 18 months, Shinobu also was starting to look at Lum negatively.
Shinobu started looking around for a handy parking meter. "Who...do...you...think.. .you-"
"Hey guys!" Ryuunosuke Fujinami ran up, "Moroboshi's got a job at Elegant Lady!"
Lum and Shinobu stopped, Lum flew off while Shinobu just stood there with Ryuu, frowning in confusion at her sudden anger.
"You okay, Shinobu?" Ryuu asked.
"Sure," Shinobu affected a laugh, "let's go get some Ramen!" she laughed again too hard.
"...All right," Ryuu nodded uncertainly.
Mendou Mansion...
Ryouko and Warren stood at the other side of door for a moment, saying nothing. Ryouko smiled thoughtfully at Hudson as she looked at him.
In the days since Ginkobot had been defeated (for the moment) Hudson had been sleeping on a simple futon at the foot of Ryouko's bed.
Warren typically, Ryouko knew, wore some night clothes. But as she gazed at him she noticed that he hadn't tonight, it was quite obvious he had nothing on under the bathrobe.
For Hudson's part, he was also admiring Ryouko. She had worn a light blue nightie with a matching bow in her hair. Of course he knew that, he had followed her with his eyes the night before.
But now that she was quite obviously staring at him, all of him, to be honest. Hudson did the same with her, and as with the first moment he saw her months ago, he liked (no *loved*) what he saw.
Ryouko wondered if Warren was about to do something.
In the past ten days their relationship had primarily centered on long talks, personal histories, fights/jokes with/about Shutaro, and long moments of handholding and walks arm-in-arm together.
Last night, Ryouko decided to give him a peck on the cheek before retiring for the night. Warren had smiled, blushed, and took her hand in his and kissed it. He then said, "Good night, Ryouko-chan."
At long last, someone broke their melodramatic silence by moving something other than their eyes.
Warren moved briefly to take her hand, or to at least touch it. 'The beginning of lovemaking,' Ryouko thought with lusty completion. They had the time, yes, no one would miss them until about noontime.
But Hudson stopped his motion. Looking down at the floor, he frowned. 'I shouldn't doing this,' he thought, 'if not because Shutaro would have a brain hemmorage, or that Ryouko's only sixteen going on seventeen in three days, that...can I stand to love someone like Lucilla again?'
A dreadful thought struck Hudson then. His wife, Lucilla. Would this not be a dishonor to her?
To forget her when he should be awaiting the day when he joins her in eternity? Hudson didn't think that Lucilla would approve of him loving someone as young as Ryouko and dying in what...twenty...thirty.. .forty years at the most?
It wouldn't be fair to Ryouko, he told himself. She'd have to go through what he did when Lucilla left him 80 years before she was supposed to. 'I was supposed to go first,' Warren thought bitterly.
Warren coughed, "Thanks for saving me from your brother," he smiled.
Ryouko sighed, and smiled with more resolve than ever, 'I will have victory,' she told herself. "You're quite welcome, Hudson-sama," she bowed.
Warren laughed, "I already had breakfast, I can have the Kuroko get something for you...?"
"I can do that as easily as you can, Warren-kun," she chided, "but for now," she began pushing him towards the bathroom, "you need to get dressed. I can't have you walking around the estate almost naked."
Hudson grinned, and as he shut the door he heard a very ominious but affectionate "unless I'm almost naked too."
It was going to be a hard week for Warren Hudson, as evidence by his various difficulties putting his pants on.
(RP OFF)
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By Parias on Thursday, May 25, 2000 - 04:45:
(RP ON)
A few hours later, Terra was walking through downtown Tomobiki, her mind in a variety of states. Most of it was still attempting to come online, whilst the rest was either concentrating on the sidewalk or or being deep in thought.
"Most of the jobs around here seem to be pretty boring..." she thought. "There's Shutaro's personal army, but he's a bit too... strict for my tastes. I doubt the Oni empire would let me anywhere near one of their ships after what's happened these past few years.. not to mention I'm pretty happy not running for my life every few hours... still, the adrenaline rush is something I'm starting to miss."
She was about to stop and sit down to rest for a moment when she noticed Lum flying down the sidewalk ahead at an incredible speed. She crossed her arms and leaned against a nearby wall with a small smirk.
As she half expected, Lum stopped as she approached, gasping for air.
"Hey Lum, what's up?" asked Terra.
"Have you seen darling? I can't find him anywhere!" Lum said, practically yelling in her face.
"Uh, I don't think so... but.." Before she could finish her response, Lum was already off in the air again, yelling for her "darling". Terra rolled her eyes and continued down the sidewalk.
She walked on for a few more minutes, then stopped and looked around. Strangely enough she found herself in front of the Tomobiki Night Wear Outlet. She stared in through the windows.
"Should I? Hmm..... hello, what's this?" Squinting, she noticed Ataru showing someone about inside.
"Aha, I see what's going on here..." Cracking a devilish grin, she pushed open the door and walked inside.
Ataru was waiting patiently for his customer to pick something (as far as he cared, she could stay in her slightly bent-over position all day) when his peripheral vision caught the colour his brain had sub-consciously designated as "high priority/danger". Glancing to his right, he noticed a green-haired girl making her way towards him around the various displays.
"OH NO! ....Wait, what if it's just Terra?" He concentrated on trying to see more of her, but could only spot her head above the displays. "Damn, no time! Think fast!"
He slowly turned to the woman he was attending to and bowed his head in apology. "Sorry, I.. uh, need to go to the bathroom.. I'll, uh, be right back!" Without waiting for a reply, he took off towards the restrooms, not even bothering to look at the signs hung above. Quickly picking the left door, he rushed inside.
A slightly muffled scream was heard, followed by the door cracking open as Ataru stumbled out again and into the Men's room, where he locked the door shut after him.
Barely able to hold her laughter, Terra took up a position near the restooms, pretending to inspect some clothing. This city would probably turn out to be rather interesting after all.. a few mere words could set in motion the most entertaining of events. She'd probably leave sooner or later and give Ataru a chance to escape, but for now she was just going to stay there untill her boredom was cured. Or she had to go to the bathroom, whichever came first.
(RP OFF)
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By Jocko on Thursday, May 25, 2000 - 08:41:
(RP ON)
For at least ten minutes Ataru just stood looking straight ahead at the condom machine on the door. He heard a customer either leave or enter the store and he decided that it probably was Terra on the account that he had not heard Lum's voice. When Ataru was about to play, Lum was *there*, crackling with lightning and screaming.
'Interesting,' he thought as he stared at the condom dispenser, 'a naughty underwear shop that encourages the patrons to have sex as soon as possible.'
Ataru thought about this for a second more, 'well, yeah. Why wouldn't they encourage sex?'
A sly, dangerous thought crept into Ataru's brain at that moment. Laughing in his usual way, Ataru reached into his pocket for some coins.
After buying a condom and putting it in his wallet (the only way for a playboy) he laughed again.
Knock, knock!
"Ataru-kun...?" Yamaguchi purred, even through the door Ataru could hear it. That's when it hit Ataru, it was like this entire job had been dangled in front of his eyes by Yamaguchi as she...!!!
'Sex with the boss?' Ataru rubbed his palms together, 'a little staying after hours, doing a little overtime, mixing business and pleasure...'
Ataru was snapped out of his fantasy by another rap at the door.
"Ataru? Do you need some help?" Yamaguchi...man, why didn't he realize this before!?!
"I'm all right," Ataru laughed, "I'm coming out."
Ataru laughed as he went to the door and gently squeezed and turned the handle.
Across town back at the Mendou Mansion...
Ryouko sighed as she sat on her bed. She was sitting on her bed looking across the spacious bedroom at the closed bathroom door. Hudson was getting dressed, and she could hear him humming first the American National Anthem and then something he called "Creedence."
Ryouko frowned at this, Warren hummed or sang at least a few different tunes he only refered to as "Creedence".
She wanted to be in there with him, no denying that. Ryouko wanted to hold him at night and when he was feeling all those moments of emotional darkness that she had seen in his eyes (no, felt was the proper term) during all that madness with Ginkobot and Terra. She was in love with him, she freely admitted it to anyone who would ask her.
Trouble is, she had not stated it to Warren. Ryouko worried about going too fast for him, he was a widower after all and still in pain over his wife's death so long ago...
'1973,' Ryouko thought for a moment. She was five years old and Warren Hudson was forty-nine then! How could she bridge this sort of age-gap? What was an eternity to Ryouko was merely around the last bend for Warren.
And it was her birthday in three days time, yes. She would be seventeen. Sweet sixteen was a joke, all she did was "act" with Ataru Moroboshi and her brother got beaten once again. It was fun, but only the type of fun she could have any old Saturday night. A disappointment for Ryouko Mendou's sweet sixteen.
She wanted Warren Hudson to look into her eyes and say that he loved her, she wanted him to say that he wanted to spend the remaining years of his life with her, she wanted him to consider her home his as long as he wanted to.
A small smile spread across Ryouko's wonderful face, she also wanted Warren Hudson to take her virginity.
A sly smile now spread across her face, she knew how to resolve this problem in three days! She would have to work hard, stealthily, and with style.
"Kuroko," she said quietly. One of her black hooded theatre servants dropped down from the ceiling.
"Lady Ryouko, what do you wish?"
"Everything on Hudson-sama," she said with determination. "I want to know everything about him that can be commited to a printed page, recorded in audio, or visual image."
The Kuroko was a tad concerned, "But Ryouko-sama, you and Hudson-sama have spent the last two weeks talking and getting to know one another."
"That's not what I need to know," she smiled slightly, "not to worry, I'm just looking for the best way to approach him more...." she frowned; smiled, "effectively."
The Kuroko nodded and was gone two seconds later.
Inside the bathroom, Warren sneezed. 'Damn't,' he thought as washed his face, 'I really wish that wouldn't happen whenever anyone talked about me.'
(RP OFF)
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By Parias on Friday, May 26, 2000 - 03:31:
(RP ON)
Terra watched from her post near the bathrooms with some small amount of dismay as Ataru opened the door per Yamaguchi's request.
"Oh well, I was getting hungry anyways..." she muttered, turning and walking out of the store and plotting a course to the beefbowl. She was already getting a few strange stares anyways, a lot of people still didn't know that there was a Lum-lookalike wandering about town.
No more than 2 minutes later she was at her destination. There was the usual crowd about, but she didn't have any trouble finding a chair. She was about to order something when she heard faint sobbing coming from somewhere nearby. Honing in on the source, she found Lum crying uncontrollably a few tables away. There was also a small commotion about as the people tried to figure out the least life-threatening way to ask her to leave. The small smirk Terra was becoming familiar with found it's way onto her face again.
"Perhaps I should lend a hand... man, the fun never stops!"
She walked over and tapped Lum on the shoulder. No response.
"Uh, Lum?"
Still nothing.
"Lum!" she said a bit louder. That seemed to almost get a response, as Lum stopped crying.. only to take a deep breath of air and continue again.
"This is getting difficult.." Terra switched to plan B, the method she was most familiar with. She reached out and closed her fist around Lum's neck, then yanked her back into her chair where she could clearly see Terra's face. The look of complete shock and fear almost warmed her heart.
Almost. A few good hours of serious conditioning courtesy of Hudson, Shutaro, Ryouko, and a lot of injured Kurokos eventually managed to slow down her "must kill everything" train of thought sufficiently that it was pretty manageable, so long as she stayed in a good mood. So far there hadn't been an incident where she felt it needed to go on a killing spree, but she still had an itchy trigger finger occasionally.
Realizing she was nearly choking Lum to death, she released her grip.
"Uh, sorry about that, but it was the only way to get your attention..."
Lum coughed a couple of times and nodded slowly, but the tears were evidently forming in her eyes again.
"I can't find darling..." she whispered. "I looked everywhere! Ryuunosuke said that he was at this 'Elegant Lady Nightwear shop' but I searched all over town and I can't find it!
Terra thought for a moment. The store in question WAS a bit difficult to spot, especially if searched for from the air, due to lack of external features, and the fact that it was square in the middle of a bunch of other flashy buildings. Fortunately she had a photographic memory for addresses and locations..
"Oh, I was just up there.. just head out from here, hang a right, and go on for a bit.. stay low, you can't miss it if you look closely."
"Thanks!" Instantly grinning, she was out of the room in less than the blink of an eye. A young waiter walked over and thanked her profusely, offering her a free lunch. She smiled and accepted, taking her seat again. This just seemed to be her lucky day.
Inside of the mansion, Shutaro was excessively busy in the Mendou control center.
"Yes, that's right, I said EVERYTHING on Hudson! I want to know everything from what diapers he wore as a baby to the last recorded number of hairs on his head! And I want it NOW!" he screamed into the phone, slamming it down onto the cradle. He turned to a servant.
"Get someone to keep an eye on him.. I want constant updates on his position. Prepare a squad of specialized marines! Tell them to suit up in civvies! And get me more food!" The servant nodded and quickly took off out of the room. He turned and sniggered to himself.
"Yes Hudson.. you haven't seen the last of me... soon I'll-"
"Oh, brother!" sang a cheery voice from across the room. He nearly crushed the empty glass he was holding in frustration and whirled about.
"WHAT IS WITH YOU PEOPLE AND SNEAKING UP ON ME TODAY?!"
Ryouko put on a hurtful expression. "Oh, I just wanted to see my DEAR brother to let him know that there's a strange man outside of the front door.. something about some new spy hardware? I do wonder what you could possibly be using it for.."
"AHA! YES!" he yelled in triumph, then gasped. "Uh, I mean, why didn't one of the servants come and tell me instead?"
"Oh, I just wanted to know what you were planning to do. You CERTAINLY wouldn't be planning on spying on your dear sister now, would you?" She flashed a quick evil look across her eyes, and Shutaro could almost swear he saw lightning spark across her retina.
"What? NO! I'm not THAT low!" he said, trying to sound disgusted.
"Ah. Well, just how low ARE you then?"
"What? I-"
"Sir, the delivery man appears to be getting impatient.." said a servant, pointing towards a monitor. He looked over and saw the person in question ringing the doorbell again and huffing.
"Uh, I'd better answer him." muttered Shutaro, grumbling and shoving his way past Ryouko and out the door. She stifled a laugh and turned to head back to her room, where Hudson was waiting.
(RP OFF)
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By Jocko on Friday, May 26, 2000 - 08:27:
(RP ON)
When Ryouko closed her room door she collapsed into Warren's arms and the two started laughing hysterically for about two minutes.
"That dolt!" Hudson gaffawed, "did he actually think that he could find all the inside dope on yours truly without you finding out!?!" he snickered like a little boy.
Ryouko laughed but her mind drifted over to the fact that she was still in a way going behind Hudson's back. She brushed these thoughts aside, at least she had Warren's best interests at heart. It wasn't like Shutaro was going to find Warren a girlfriend, after all.
For some reason this thought made Ryouko laugh even harder until it started to hurt her throat.
Hudson without saying a word, but still smirking furiously, got up and fetched her a glass of water.
She stopped laughing in order to acknowledge his kindness with a smile of sincere gratitude and to gulp down the water. After that she was able to speak again.
"We should go make an appearance," Warren smiled, "there's a birthday party to plan."
Ryouko reached for Warren's hand, and smiled in loving determination, "and a man's future too."
Hudson could see that, and couldn't help but smile. Warren accepted her hand holding his and squeezed it gently.
Together they left her room and proceeded to Master and Madame Mendou's sitting room.
Meanwhile back at the Elegant Lady Ranch...
Ataru was standing in front of two beautiful, slightly predatory women. As luck (rare for him) would have it, these two women said they were both friends and like young men.
Now, Ataru *should* be doing high noon and snaking out of his clothes, right?
But as he talked to the sultry Yamaguchi more and more he started to feel more and more uncertain. This entire job was a shame by them for sex, right? Wasn't it supposed to be the other way around?
Yamaguchi and her friend wanted to go into the "back room" with him. Ataru should be feeling about ready to put John Holmes to shame, shouldn't he? Then why all of a sudden did he just go as soft as a freshly baked pretzel?
It took a while, but Ataru realized that these weren't the type of women he wanted to seduce or be seduced by.
Just then, an event which for some reason made him smile happened. Lum flew up to the door and swung it open.
Ataru smiled even wider when he saw that Lum wasn't angry or crackling electricity at him, in fact she seemed genuinely relieved to see him.
'She was crying,' he realized as soon as he made eye-contact with her. And that made him feel like low-life shit.
"Darling!!!" she screamed happily as she flew into the store to the shocked amazement of Yamaguchi and her female friend.
(RP OFF)
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By Parias on Saturday, May 27, 2000 - 10:22:
(RP ON)
Terra was now officially bored. After rapidly consuming enough food to feed a small army, she suddenly found herself with little to do.
"I've already messed with Shutaro's head.. Lum and Ataru are either at each other's throats or in blissful glee.. Hudson and Ryouko are up to who knows what at the moment.. and here I sit, doing pretty much nothing."
She knew that she'd only been there about 15 minutes, but it was still too long. Too much inactivity grated on her. So it was for this reason that she almost yelped in joy when yet another familiar face crossed her peripheral vision. And yet, this one made her hold her tongue..
"What the hell is Sergei doing here? I figured he'd be back in whatever hole he crawled out of.."
A bit more visual scanning revealed Hayes in front of him, leading him over to the beefbowl, a grin on his face. Sergei was smiling as well, something Terra never knew he was capable of.
The idea of crouching down in her chair to hide crossed her mind, but she quickly got rid of it. Any problem she had was generally faced, either by brute force or common sense. Hopefully the former wouldn't have to come into play right now, it wouldn't be too convenient to make a scene. She grabbed another bowl from the waiting servant and continued eating.
Quite a bit was going through Sergei's head right now. Mainly the question as to how the people on Earth managed to get along so well, considering the massive crowds everywhere. Order was what he was used to.
"...So he told me this place is supposed to have some good quality food..." rattled off Hayes as they approached their destination. "Heh, then he muttered something about Ataru mis-treating Lum again and ran off.. that Megane guy sure is interesting." he said, chuckling.
"You said it. I could use with a good meal anyways.. say, speaking of Lum, isn't that her over there?" Sergei pointed to where Terra was sitting.
"I guess it is. Didn't know she wore civvies.. first time for anything I guess. Shall we say hello?"
"Sure."
They walked over, and Sergei tapped her on the shoulder.
"Hi there Lum, how're you-"
"Hello Sergei." replied a voice significantly deeper and more mature than Lum's. Sergei's gut wrenched up suddenly.
"Ahh.. uh.. hello..." he stammered. The green-haired figure turned around, revealing Terra's smug face. "Fancy seeing you here." she said.
Noting Sergei's discomfort, Hayes took over. "Nice to see you again Terra, getting along well?"
"Oh, the same old, same old.." she turned to face Sergei. "But y'know, the more things change, the more they stay the same.. or something."
"I'll... uh.. go get our order.." murmured Sergei, walking off into the crowd.
"He's still got some issues to work out I guess." said Hayes, shrugging. "Sorry."
"I guess I can't really blame him... when was that, about a year ago? The Ronin Station massacre."
A dark shadow fell over Hayes' face. "Yes... I remember all too well Terra."
He could remember it perfectly. Ronin station was a medical facility, specializing in genetic alteration and reconstruction. Terra's spies throughout the Oni empire had gotten wind of some kind of project that was being based on the station.. a weapon of sorts that released multiple drones that ate away at the hull of a given ship, continuing to devour it untill there was nothing left but a raw skeleton. Very unfortunate for the crew.
Upon hearing this, Terra instantly ordered the station destroyed, and she gathered her entire fleet to wipe it out. Unfortunately, the information proved wrong. Ronin station wasn't developing any kind of weapon, it was one of the largest intergalactic hospitals the Oni empire had at the time. And the fleet had chosen to strike at the moment it was at it's highest capacity.
Hayes and Sergei had heard the cries of anguish and begs for mercy over the comm channels as the fleet tore the base to pieces in mere seconds. It was only after the base was destroyed that they learned of it's true nature. It was one of the only times Sergei had threatened to leave Hayes if he didn't quit Terra's fleet. After a few days off, they eventually decided to stay, but Hayes couldn't possibly imagine why he decided to. He had always considered himself one of the good guys, but the reason for him joining Terra's fleet constantly eluded him. It was just a necessary evil as far as he was concenered.
"It probably doesn't mean shit right now.." Terra whispered, breaking him from his throughts. "But I'm sorry about what happened then."
"Don't worry about it, we had no idea. And I'm as responsible as you are for joining in the attack."
"Bullshit Hayes and you know it. I nearly threatened you at gunpoint to stick with us."
"Still..."
"Food." muttered Sergei, coming up behind them and passing out plates, then taking a seat himself and starting to eat without another word.
"So what the hell are you guys doing down here anyways? I'd figure you'd be up to your ears in paperwork and whatnot after what just happened a little while ago."
Hayes chucked. "Paper work isn't Sergei's style, nor mine. We wanted to get a better look around this place, and see how you people were doing.. so we decided to just drop in."
"Any word on Ginkobot?"
"Nothing. He's pretty silent. He either chose some other portion of the galaxy to terrorize, or he's busy on other things. I don't like it either way."
"Nor do I."
They continued eating for a few more minutes without any additional conversation. After awhile, Terra broke the silence.
"Sergei.... I've changed."
She didn't get any response from him, but Hayes stopped eating a moment to look at Sergei, then Terra. She cleared her throat.
"Please Sergei.. at least look at me."
He continued eating. Terra frowned.
"Damnit Sergei what the hell do you want me to do, shoot myself in the head?"
"By all means." he murmured. "I don't care anymore... so just give it up." He stood up from his chair.
"I'll be outside."
Terra watched him wordlessly as he walked out of the restaraunt looking like he didn't have a care in the world. She turned to Hayes and noticed he was still looking at her.
"I had to try."
He nodded. "I don't know when he'll get over it, or even if he will. He's tough, but torn."
"Tough indeed.. I still remember that blockade run. Barely held your ship together by the seams if I remember correctly.."
"Yeah. There isn't much I can do I'm afraid."
"Don't worry about it. It's my problem."
"If you insist."
They finished their meals quickly after that. Hayes reached into his uniform to grab some cash, but Terra put a hand on his arm.
"I'll cover it. Thanks for dropping in.. it was pretty good to see you again." She turned a sour glance to Sergei, who was standing just outside, arms folded. "He, on the other hand, can go to hell."
Hayes laughed. "Hah, alright. Yes, we'd better get going.. it was a pleasure seeing you Terra, take care. We'll try to drop in again if we get the chance."
With that, he walked out of the Beefbowl, waved to Sergei, and headed up the street. Sergei turned and stared at Terra a moment, then left to follow.
She sighed and collected the bowls. "That... was interesting. Gonna have a lot to think about tonight.."
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Saturday, May 27, 2000 - 21:41:
(RP ON)
"And so..." Ryouko Mendou said, "for my birthday I am having the Kuroko assemble a twenty story birthday cake."
Her father nodded, "Ah, splendid my daughter...just like last year's summer Christmas celebration, I gather?"
"Well," Hudson blushed; chuckled, "not exactly..." he glanced to Ryouko.
Ryouko smiled, "go ahead Warren-kun."
Madame Mendou looked up from her knitting and her husband smiled, "yes, please go on Hudson-sama."
Warren stood from his chair and extended his hand out. A Kuroko placed a pointer in his palm and another hooded servant quietly pushed a large display into view for the sitting room's occupants.
Ryouko smiled proudly at Warren, a smile her parents surely did not miss.
The display was the Tomobiki area...with various roads and residential areas...the red-light district...the town center...business zones...the Tomobiki Parkway and other roads in and immediately outside the city.
The Mendou Estate took up about 20% of the Tomobiki area.
"This obviously," he drawled, "is our lovely town," he indicated the entire display by drawing an invisible "circle" around it.
"Ryouko-chan and her Kuroko propose to close off the city and invite all of the city's inhabitants to participate in her birthday celebration."
Hudson finished his presentation and turned to his audience. Ryouko's parents were a bit stunned. Sure they were use to extravagant parties on the Estate grounds...but this was something so much bigger.
Sensing this, Ryouko smiled at her parents, "we figured we should get your permission first since it would be a major undertaking; requiring commitment from all Mendou forces."
"Any questions?" Hudson asked.
"Yes," Madame Mendou smiled pleasantly, "how exactly are all of Tomobiki-Cho's inhabitants supposed to participate?"
Ryouko and Warren shared a devious look, "think Mardi Gras in New Orleans on a smaller scale with organized games, prizes, and several scavenger hunts."
"Oh?" Master Mendou nodded enthusiastically, "another snipe hunt, Ryouko-chan?"
"Father," Ryouko giggled, "this is not just 'another snipe hunt...' she trailed off searching for the proper words.
Hudson without missing a beat, "it's the snipe hunt to end all snipe hunts!"
The Mendou parents smiled and shared a look of amazement and pride at their little princess and her choosen older prince.
Before Ryouko and Warren had joined them for morning pleasantries the Mendou parents had been discussing how Hudson, eventhough lacking "real money", had good marriage prospects with Ryouko. True, a Tobimaru/Ryouko marriage would be financially good and solidifying...
But Asuka/Shutaro was a done deal anyway and the Mendou family could use the United States/Japan good PR immensely. Plus Hudson had genuine skills and connections the family could use.
The Mendou parents proudly stood up, "you have permission, Ryouko-chan...Hudson-sama. We will *inform* the city authorities."
Arm-in-arm, the parents proudly left the sitting room. A moment afterwards the Kuroko left with the display and the pointer.
Ryouko smiled at Hudson and pretty much flew into his arms, hugging his tall muscular frame. "Thank you so much!" she said over and over.
Warren nodded, "now, now, dear," Warren laughed, "it was all your idea."
She stopped and gazed into his eyes, "thank you for just being you, Warren Hudson, and being with me at this special time in my life."
Hudson's eyes watered somewhat and he just gently clutched her closer to his chest, "No, I must be the one thanking you, Ryouko..."
Ryouko lazily traced her finger along Hudson's shirt-covered chest; right around his heart.
Warren simply closed his eyes, clutched her to him a bit tighter (but being careful not too tightly) and letting himself enjoy the scent of her hair and perfume.
Almost intoxicated, Warren opened his eyes again. Ryouko looked up at him, "I can heal this..." she touched his left breast; feeling his heartbeat.
"Ryouko-chan," he whispered, "we can't do *this* now," he nodded up to a surveillance camera badly hidden in a light fixture, "at least not here."
Ryouko nodded and disengaged herself from his arms.
In silence, the two left the room.
In a darkened room on the other side of the mansion Shutaro Mendou was nearly a raging beast. Katana drawn, he had smashed the monitor to pieces when Ryouko and Hudson had started to...to...grind into eachother...
Shutaro spat at this thought, no one gets that close to his little sister. Ryouko simply *must* be mad to allow the old man to trick her like this...
No less calmer, Shutaro left the darkened room to challenge Hudson to an honorable man-to-man duel.
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Monday, May 29, 2000 - 10:26:
(RP ON)
After Ataru and Lum embraced a moment (the latter nearly choking the former to death), the ever-popular green haired Oni princess turned to Yamaguchi and the other female. "Who are these people darling?"
Ataru rubbed the back of his head. "Well, I, uh.."
"Come on Ataru-kun, we can show you a good time... much better than you'll get with her."
Lum blinked in surprise. "Are you trying to.... s-s-s-SEDUCE my darling? HOW DARE YOU! Divine retribution!"
Ataru quickly took cover under a pile of bathing suits as the lightning started to fly and screams were heard. He pondered his current situation a moment.
"I guess that settles it then... but I'm still wondering why I hesitated.. I guess this was just too easy."
He yelped in surprise as a stray lightning bolt struck the pile of clothing, annihilating his cover. Things calmed down a few seconds after that, with Lum glaring at the 2 scarred women lying face-down on the floor. Customers had already fled the store, screaming.
"Lum... I.." started Ataru, but was stopped when Lum turned her glare on him, sending ice daggers piercing into his heart.
"And as for YOU, what were you doing out here in the first place? Your mom said you had just gone for a walk!"
"What else was I supposed to say? 'Oh Lum, I'm going down to a nightwear shop so I can sell undergarments to hot girls'?"
"You lied to me! And you came down here for THAT?! Why, I should..."
"Uh oh, here come the sparks, better think fast.." Ataru thought to himself. His brain wieghed the current options in a mere second, a miracle considering his track record of quick and witty thinking, and came to a conclusion.
Lum was about to unleash a second lightning bolt when Ataru suddenly grabbed her by the arms and kissed her right there. She let out a muffled gasp of surprise, then calmed down. After a moment, they seperated.
"Darling....."
"Uh.. I.." Ataru's thought patterns increased in intensity. "Where the hell did THAT come from?" he asked himself, sub-consciously not caring all that much.
"Darling..... lets go home." Lum offered.
"Yeah, I'm hungry anyways.."
Leaving Yamaguchi and her friend unconscious on the floor, they walked out and started on their way home, the female of the group deciding to walk for once.
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Monday, May 29, 2000 - 19:54:
(RP ON)
The Stormtroopers arrived on the scene only to find Ataru and Lum happily walking down the sidewalk.
Megane watched this for a moment before shrugging, "I guess our information was...false?"
"Yeah," Chibi nodded, "false, right Kakugari?"
"Sure," Kakugari rubbed his eyes as he watched Ataru and Lum walking.
"I need a cold beer and a burger," Perm moaned.
Megane shrugged unhappily and turned away from the happy Lum and Ataru. His eyes brightened instantly when he noticed a poster on a wall.
It was a poster for "Apocalypse Now" showing in the Ginza 6 Theatres.
Megane was drawn closer to the poster and noticed something that sent his heart racing.
"IT'S A 70MM PRINT!" Megane exploded, sending his three Stormtroopers to the ground.
"Men," Megane reverently looked at the sky as a sunbeam illuminated his face more, "we shall proceed to the Ginza 6 and immediately get in line after we pick up Takahiro Sakaguchi...together we shall be enlightened yet again by Coppola-sensei's direction and the writing of Milius, Herr, Conrad, and Coppola-sensei on the 12/3/75 draft...!!!"
Perm, Kakugari, and Chibi took one look at Megane and shared a look amongst themselves. While Megane was still grinning in ecstasy the three ran off.
"Hey, where you three goin'?" Megane sputtered to no avail.
"Awh, screw you guys! It'll be just Sak, myself, and-" he stopped.
Nurse Sakura was making her way down the sidewalk toward him.
"Sakura-sensei!"
Back at the Mendou Estate...
Warren Hudson and Ryouko were walking on a cloud through the Mendou Mansion with the intention of going into the city for a walk. The Kuroko were beginning preparations for the party already.
Warren and Ryouko would inform the city tonight at 8:00PM sharp of the festivities.
"HENTAI!!!" A scream sounded in the distance down the corridor.
Ryouko looked at Hudson, who looked at her.
"Did you have pornography in my room and didn't let know?" Ryouko smiled slightly.
Warren blushed beat red, "No!"
Ryouko laughed, "don't be embarrassed if you left a naughty magazine and a maid found it. I understand that you men need release and it doesn't offend me; in fact I'm happy you're tending to your biological needs. It make my job with you," she stopped abruptly, "...what?"
Hudson wasn't smiling, "I really don't have any porn in your room Ryouko-chan."
"HENTAI!!!" the scream seemed a bit closer to their location.
"Then you mean that you're," Ryouko motioned to Hudson's groin, "ignoring your biological needs? After I've told you to make yourself at home?" she seemed disappointed.
"Well," Warren sighed, "I didn't think you would approve of me..." he motioned descreetly to his groin making a pumping motion, "in your rooms."
"Well, I do," Ryouko smiled sly and sexy, "why shouldn't you be any different?"
Hudson blushed again and chuckled nerviously, "I'll keep that in mind, Ryouko-chan."
"HENTAI!!!!" the scream was closer.
Ryouko patted his arm, "I'm glad we cleared up this misunderstanding, Warren-kun."
Hudson nodded surely, "yes, I'm glad we had this conversation."
"HENTAI....!!!! HUDSON!!!!"
"Oh!" Warren's eyes brightened, "it's *me* they're talking about!" he laughed.
Shutaro caught up with them; completely winded and unable to speak.
The world's richest teenager simply stood in front of the couple with his katana drawn, huffing madly to catch his breath.
After a minute Ryouko noticed her big brother was trying to say something.
"What is it, Oniisama?" Ryouko asked, "do you want me to fetch you a cup of water?"
Shutaro shook his head "no" angrily and pointed his katana at Warren.
"Warren?" Ryouko looked at her brother quizically, "why do you want Hudson-sama to fetch you a cup of water?"
"Tell him to get it himself," Hudson crossed his arms in anger.
"Did you hear that, Oniisama?" Ryouko said.
Shutaro shook his head angrily again; still trying to catch his breath. But able to form words slowly.
"No...water," he said hoarsely.
"Then what do you want Hudson-sama to do, Oniisama?" Ryouko shrugged.
"Die," Shutaro said distinctly.
"Die?" Warren shrugged, "why should I die now, Shutaro? I mean, I know I'm 61 but I'm not over the hill yet!"
Shutaro glared red, "Duel!" he breathed. "Man-to-man; honorably!" Shutaro Mendou had completely regained the ability to speak!
"Not just anyone can *have* my little sister!!!" Shutaro proudly proclaimed; but still loud. "Especially not a hentai old man raised in an American barn, such as yourself!" Shutaro spat.
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Tuesday, May 30, 2000 - 23:44:
(RP ON)
Ryouko glared at Shutaro. "Now just a moment, what do you think I am, some kind of toy to be tossed about when the situation requires it? I'm perfectly capable of making my own decisions, thank you."
"Maybe you think so.." said Shutaro, pausing for another deep breath. "..but HE has to prove it!" He pointed to Hudson.
"Prove what?" asked Hudson.
"That you're worthy to have her!"
"And, uh, if I loose?"
"You'll either be dead, or escorted off the property, never to return."
"Well, I'm hoping for your sake that the former does not occur..." Hudson slowly said. "..My governement wouldn't be very happy if I show up at their doorsteps dead."
Shutaro laughed and crossed his arms. "HAH! Your idle threats do not faze me!"
Ryouko motioned for Hudson to bend down, and whispered into his ear a moment. After a few seconds of thinking, he whispered something back, nodding.
"Hudson agrees to duel with you, on one condition..." Ryouko held out a piece of paper. "Sign this."
"What's it for?" asked Shutaro. Ryouko stifled a laugh.
"If Hudson ends up dead, I gain control of all your assets in the entire mansion, plus authorization to have your own troops burn you at the stake."
"WHAT?!" Shutaro thought to himself a moment. "Well, I guess I'll just have to be careful then.." either way, there's still no way I could loose against an old pompus like that."
He nodded and pulled a black pen out of his suit, signing the paper. He then nodded to Hudson.
"Follow me."
Then he turned and walked down the hall. Hudson drew in a breath, wondering what exactly he had gotten himself into, then followed.
Ryouko was about to follow as well, when something caught her eye on the paper. She glanced it over, then stifled a cough.
"Oops, looks like I accidentally had him sign that 'soul ownership' form I've been saving... oh well, close enough. He should learn to read what he signs anyways."
She laughed to herself, pocketed the paper, and moved on down the hallway.
Elsewhere in Tomobiki, Terra didn't know whether she should breath a sigh of relief, or disgust, as she watched Ataru and Lum walk arm-in-arm back to their house.
"Oh well, was worth a try I guess. At least they're not nuking the town while being at each other's throats.. I wonder how Shutaro's doing?"
She turned and was about to walk back to the mansion when she slammed face-first into Zard, who was promptly flung off his feet onto the sidewalk. Terra rubbed her aching forehead and bent down to help him up.
"Hey Zard, where the hell are you headed?"
"Oh, uh, hello Terra.. I was just headed down to meet Shinobu.."
"Oh? I've heard rumors, but just what is it between you two?"
"It's a long story. Anyways, gotta go, bye!" Without another word, he took off down the sidewalk. Terra glanced at his retreating form and raised an eyebrow.
"Hmmm.. he's hiding something. Better keep an eye on him."
She made her way back to the mansion without further incident.
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Wednesday, May 31, 2000 - 00:24:
(RP ON)
Shutaro Mendou led Warren Hudson to one of his personal exercise grounds. Once in the middle he turned around and faced the older man.
"We shall discuss particulars."
"Particulars?" Hudson shrugged, "like how many water balloons each man carries...how many paces is a hundred steps?"
"Shut up and stop playing the fool!" Shutaro snapped. "What method of duelling would you prefer?"
Hudson thought a moment, "Rock-em-sock-em robots."
Shutaro laughed in a braying manner. And did not stop for a full minute.
"You can't be serious, old man!" Shutaro barked laughter once more.
Again, he stopped, "but you are serious, are you?"
"Oh yes," Hudson nodded.
"I guess I am too intimidating..." Shutaro flared up his chest in his usual macho way.
"Oh no...DEFEND YOURSELF!" Warren barked.
Shutaro barely had time to draw his katana and get into defense-stance when Hudson kicked the blade out of the younger man's hand and landed a nice punch straight to Shutaro's jaw.
The scion of the Mendou family crumpled to the ground; moaning in pain and defeat.
Warren noticed all around the courtyard that Shutaro's guards were unsure of what to do. They had been instructed to not interfer with the duel but had the duel suddenly begun after a few words exchanged and laughing?
Hudson noticed Terra walking up the square.
"Hey Terra dear!" Hudson shouted and waved to her.
"Hi Warren!" Terra shouted back, and glanced to Shutaro; still crumpled on the ground.
"What's wrong with Shutaro?" Terra asked.
Warren smiled, "oh he's just showing me some new boots!" Hudson motioned to the younger man's feet.
Terra shrugged; baffled, "all right, okay. I'll go talk to Ryouko about her party!"
"That's great, Terra!" Hudson waved good-bye to her as she left the exercise grounds.
Warren turned back to Shutaro and kneeled to the ground besides him, "you know, I could have seriously hurt you. I can fight and beat you any day of the week. Hell, I can even kill you in honorable duelling and Asuka Mizunokougii won't have a husband and every girl in town will have to clutch thier pillow to some other pretty boy."
Hudson could see that Shutaro was glaring at him, "but that's not my way; I don't kill people for acting like shitheads and interfering in my lovelife, they have to be an actual menace to warrant my wrath. Not some asshole with too much money who wears honor like a housecoat!"
Warren paused to catch his breath and look around him; it really was a beautiful day. "I know that you're doing this out of some exaggerated protectiveness for Ryouko-chan. Well, she's not a little girl anymore, Shutaro. You can't live her life for her."
Shutaro got to his feet and simply glared, "yes, she is still a girl, Hudson. You don't seem to realize that..."
"Negative," Warren shook his head, "the law clearly states that when someone's 16 they make their own decisions in the matters of relationships. Ryouko-chan is almost 17, whatever she wants is not any of your business."
"Pah," Shutaro spat, then began rubbing his sore jaw, "we'll fight with those damned robots if that's what you want..." he stalked off and began talking to one of his guards.
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Friday, June 2, 2000 - 08:23:
(RP ON)
Megane sniggered to himself. His plan couldn't possibly fail. Oh sure, maybe it violated just about everything he felt in regards to Lum, but he and his crack team of "commandos" were starting to get desperate.
They were presently standing near Ataru's house, directly under his bedroom window to be specific. Chibi scratched his head in confusion.
"Uh, okay, so tell me exactly what we're going to do here again?"
Megane slapped his head and groaned. "What have you idiots been doing this whole time! This is the third time I'd have explained it!"
"We were busy listening to Lum's voice coming out the window!"
"Argh! Okay, listen this time. We all know that Ryouko's birthday is coming up, right?"
The rest of the group nodded.
"And we all want to get Ryouko something she'd like, right?"
They nodded again, slightly slower and evidently starting to get confused.
"Good. Now, the plan is this: Lum has some good toys with her that Ryouko would just love to have! So, we're going to.. ah, 'borrow' something from her."
Perm stared in astonishment. "We're going to steal from Lum?! But she'd kill us!"
"And anyways, couldn't we just ask?" questioned Chibi. Megane shook his head.
"She'd probably refuse.. no, we must take it upon ourselves to obtain what is needed and win Ryouko's heart!"
"But what about Lum?"
"Ah, that's where plan B of my plan comes into action! See, when she discovers that something's missing, we'll just show up with a few of the objects and say that someone else took them!"
"Ahh, ingenious!"
"But who will we blame?" asked Kakugari.
"Someone we don't really need.. uh, Terra! Yeah, that's it!"
"Okay.. sounds good, but how are we going to get these items?"
"That's where I need you guys! In 'Operation Steal Presents for Ryouko', we proceed in two phases. Phase one has you three performing a diversion at the front door, attracting the attention of both Lum and Ataru."
Chibi cheered. "Wow, we get to be close to Lum!"
"Yes. In phase two, I will climb this tree up to the window, climb in, get what I can, and get out again."
"Are you sure you can climb that tree?" asked Perm, glancing at the object in question.
"Of course! Now, lets begin!"
The 3 chosen members of the group immediately ran around to the front door and began incessantly ringing the doorbell. After a few moments, Lum and Ataru both answered the door, looking slightly annoyed.
"Ataru! Lum! We have something important to tell you!" said Chibi.
"What's that?" asked Ataru.
"Uh..... a big ape is wandering about downtown!" The other two stormtroopers glared at him. Ataru just stared.
"And why didn't I hear about it on the news?"
"It, uh, smashed the news building!"
"What? Let me see!"
"Great, now you've done it!" whispered Perm into Chibi's ear. He then raised his voice. "Follow us!"
They ran out of the driveway and towards downtown Tomobiki, on a wild goose chase.
Meanwhile, Megane was, with some effort, managing to scale the tree that led near the window to Ataru's room. After a few near-slips, he finally was able to swing over to the window and inside of the room.
After promptly tripping and crashing to the ground, he struggled back to his feet, brushed himself off, and proceeded to Lum's closet, where he began searching for his intended item.
Meanwhile, over at the Mendou mansion, Terra was chatting with Ryouko.
"..And when I came in there, Shutaro was lying on his back... looks like Warren kicked his ass!"
Ryouko laughed. "I should know better than to worry all that much.. he can handle himself."
"Yea.. better be damn happy he wasn't on my side, or this planet would have been ska-rewed." Terra laughed, while Ryouko just chuckled uncomfortably.
"Uh, anyways.. you need anything big for your party? Explosives, cluster-fireworks, dummy fusion warheads, large empty freighters blowing up.. you name it, and I can probably nab it."
"Hah, I'm not planning on scaring the entire down with this. Although what are the exact specifics on those 'cluster fireworks'?"
"Similar to your average firework, except they launch in groups of five and promptly split up in mid-air, and they're also space-worthy.. I can also get my hands on a few modified models that fire off a secondary shot after the first explosion that goes straight down, bounces off the nearest object, and goes straight up again. The process repeats about 5 times, getting smaller and smaller, untill it finally runs out. I can have 'em spout random colours as well."
"Sounds interesting.. who knows? They might spice up the party a little."
"Great! I'll see if my damn contacts haven't spazzed yet.. it's been awhile since they heard from me. Anyways, I'd better get going, gonna see what Hudson's doing with Shutaro next. Wanna come?"
"Wouldn't miss it for the world."
Smiling, they walked off down the hallway.
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Saturday, June 3, 2000 - 04:32:
(RP ON)
It was a large room. A simple, but elegant, table with two chairs sat in front of two figures.
One of the figures was Shutaro Mendou while the other was Warren Hudson. But we already know that.
What's new is that which is on the table and the spectators. On the table top is a brand new set of Rock-em-sock-em Robots. The spectators include Ryouko Mendou, Terra (who had taken the last name Hudson), and several of Shutaro's personal guard; only countered by Ryouko's most trusted Kuroko.
'Or rather Ryouko and Hudson's Kuroko,' Shutaro added darkly.
Both Shutaro and Warren began divesting themselves of their shirts in accordance with the terms they had agreed upon.
Normally, Shutaro would have several swooning girls around whenever he removed his shirt. But not here, no one showed any reaction.
But when Warren removed his overcoat, his tie, and his dress shirt to reveal his very well kept chest there were immediately admiring whispers from Ryouko, Terra, and several female guards and Kuroko.
Ryouko blushed, Warren had a great physique; despite the noticeable scars on his back. In fact, Warren was probably stronger than Shutaro.
Terra elbowed Ryouko gently, "you okay, Ryouko?"
"Look closely, Terra dear," Ryouko pointed at Warren; showing off brazenly to the spectators.
Terra nodded appreciatively, "Hudson does have a certain appeal, does he not?" Terra understated; winking.
"I guarantee I'll be in those arms by tomorrow night, Terra." Ryouko pointed at Warren delicately; day dreaming.
A Mendou guard took Shutaro's shirt away while a Kuroko took Hudson's various apparel to a safe place and immediately began folding it neatly. Lady Ryouko would not like it if Hudson's clothes were wrinkled.
A Mendou guard and Kuroko stood in front of the table and talked amongst themselves for a minute.
The Kuroko turned to the rest of the people in the room. "The duellists will now take their seats."
Hudson and Shutaro did so.
"Warren Hudson," the Kuroko said, "place your hands on your controls."
Hudson did as he was told; sparing a moment to wink at Ryouko and Terra.
"Shutaro Mendou," the Mendou guard said, "place your hands on the control."
Shutaro did so and spared a moment to look for *anyone* female who wasn't a relation admiring his chest.
He didn't find any.
The Kuroko and the Mendou guard backed off a few steps from eachother and each held out a clothe in their respective right hands.
The Kuroko said, "when both clothes hit the ground the duel will begin."
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Monday, June 5, 2000 - 06:52:
(RP ON)
Megane was growing quite frustrated at this point. Lum had all sorts of goodies hidden about, but he couldn't decide on just what to take.
After a few moments, he simply picked a couple of bags at random and stood up, being careful to close the closet door behind him. He then marched on over to the window and made a jump out and over to the tree again. Unfortunately, he lost his balance and went crashing to the ground with a loud thud. He groaned.
"At least I wasn't noticed..."
Recovering to his feet, he pocketed his precious cargo and ran around to the front door. To his surprise, nobody was there.
"Where the hell did those idiots get to?" he asked himself, cautiously creaking open the door and glancing inside. The house appeared empty, and he couldn't hear any sounds coming from it at all.
Closing it shut again, he shrugged and started walking back to his house, muttering. He'd check out the items, get them wrapped, and go find out where his squad had gotten to after.
Elsewhere in Tomobiki, Ataru was fuming as the 3 stormtroopers wandered about, Chibi leading them about in circles. Eventually he stopped and yelled out.
"Where the hell are we going? We've been almost all over town and I haven't seen a thing!" Not even Lum can see anything unusual in the sky!"
Chibi shrugged. "Uh, well, I guess it vanished!"
"And you said it smashed the news building, but there it is, right there!" He pointed to a perfectly intact building nearby.
"Well, uh, it sort of LOOKED like a news building..."
"What a waste of time.." Ataru grumbled, turning around and heading back home. Perm moved to catch up.
"Hey! Wait! You can't go home yet!"
"And just why not?"
"Follow me! Terra says she found a crashed ship!"
They ran off again, Ataru sighing and slowly following. Lum just looked confused.
"I never heard of any crashed ship lately..."
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Tuesday, June 6, 2000 - 00:18:
(RP ON)
The cloths were about to be dropped when, in utmost silence, Warren Hudson raised his right hand for a time-out.
His Kuroko second walked over, "Hudson-sama?" was all that Shutaro or anyone else in the room could hear save the two participating in the conversation itself.
The Kuroko nodded; motioned over to his assistant.
They talked briefly in whispers before the assistant retreated into a secret passage hidden in the floor.
Shutaro tapped his left foot impatiently for a minute, "well?" he asked.
Once again Hudson raised his right hand and turned his head away from the table and away from the spectators.
"AAACHOO!" he sneezed then sniffled; accepting the hankerchef handed to him by a Kuroko. Shutaro could see Ryouko's name embroidered into it.
Shutaro spared a glance to his little sister, she had that samll smile on her face as Hudson was blowing his nose.
The Kuroko assistant had returned, by way of the ceiling.
The Kuroko neatly placed on Warren Hudson's head a big white cowboy hat.
Ryouko and Terre immediately erupted in applause, the Kuroko followed suit. Even a few of Shutaro's personal guard started to clap until their young master gave them the hairy eyeball.
Complete silence once again filled the room.
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Monday, June 19, 2000 - 09:21:
(RP ON)
Mere minutes later, Ataru, Lum, and the 3 stormtroopers were tearing their way through a nearby forest, making a wonderful effort of getting lost.
"I sure hope this gives Megane enough time." whispered Kakugari.
After a few more moments of hopelessly running in circles, Ataru yelled out for them to stop.
"We're not getting anywhere with this! I don't even see any flaming debris!"
"Uh..." started Chibi.
"Forget it! I'm going home right now, and none of you will stop me!"
Without another word, Ataru huffed, spun 180 degrees, and marched forward... directly into a tree. The resulting blow knocked him unconscious.
"Oh dear.. don't worry darling, I'll get you home!" said Lum, picking him up and taking off into the sky back towards town. The three stormtroopers groaned.
"Megane better have finished by now...."
The figure in question was presently down at a nearby gift shop getting his "gift" to Ryouko wrapped. He slammed a hefty load of Yen on the counter, much to the surprise of the saleswoman there.
"Wrap this sucker as much as possible!" he demanded. Somehow he had gotten the strange idea into his head that the longer it took Ryouko to open the present, the more popular he would be. The precise reasoning that led up to this idea was anyone's guess.
"Such a thing will take time.."
"Just do it! I'll be back in a few hours to pick it up." With that, he walked out of the store and headed towards the beef bowl. Things were going perfectly today.. a gift for Ryouko, some extra cash on hand that he had found hiding in the horrendous depths of his closet, and now a nice stop at the beef bowl to top it off. Absolutely nothing could possibly go wrong...
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Monday, June 19, 2000 - 23:48:
(RP ON)
The Mendou Guard and the Kuroko once again assumed their positions; each holding a cloth in their right hands.
The two dropped the cloths...
The cloths hit the ground...
By possibly a half-second, Warren Hudson was the first to work his hands on the controls; his robo landing a neat uppercut to Shutaro's robo's head.
But then again, what else can a Rock-em-sock-em robot hit but its opponent's head?
Hudson repeated his robo punches to Shutaro's robo.
Shutaro tried to recover but his robo was only able to land three punches to Hudson's robo before Japan's answer to Richy Rich and his robo's head popped up from its shoulder to hang at the top of its rip cord.
Shutaro could not believe this, he leaned in closer to examine his felled robot and its elevated head.
Ryouko and Terra immediately stood up and started clapping furiously with the Kuroko following suit.
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Tuesday, June 20, 2000 - 10:31:
(RP ON)
After the loud applause cleared up, a low growl was heard building up from some point in the room. After a few seconds time, it was pinpointed to Shutaro.
"I.. I... I..." he stuttered, at a loss for words.
"I believe the correct phrasing would be 'Good game'." said Hudson, grinning. He turned as Ryouko ran over.
"I had no doubt you would win Hudson-sama. Truely it is proved then that you are worthy of me. I've had an afternoon meal prepared, what say we go eat it before it gets cold? I'm sure you're hungry after all this."
Still smiling, Hudson merely nodded, and, arm in arm, they started to walk away.
"Wait!" yelled Shutaro. "I.. er.. I'm not finished yet!"
"A duel is a duel Shutaro, and you were beaten fair and square. Now stop harassing me about this whole deal and just drop it." Hudson threw over his shoulder, before exiting the room. Terra walked over, chuckling.
"Tsk tsk tsk Shutaro, I really expected a lot better than THAT..."
"Oh? And just what's THAT supposed to mean?" demanded Shutaro in a temperamental tone, fingering for his sword. After fumbling about a moment, he looked over to try and figure out why it wasn't in it's usual place. Surprisingly, it was gone.
Looking back at Terra with a shocked expression, he gasped as he saw her stroking it tenderly, testing it's blade.
"I said be more subversive, not threaten to beat his brains out."
"Give me that!" he said, ripping the sword from her hands and returning it to it's rightful position. "Okay, if you're the expert here, what EXACTLY do you suggest I do?"
Terra leaned in close, moving her face up against his and whispering. "My, have you heard what those Americans do when the smallest rumor is started? I heard someone threatened to launch a nuclear bomb at that 'Pentagon' place, and they evacuated almost every surrounding city before finding out it was just a joke!"
That being said, she turned around and walked out the door Hudson and Ryouko had left through, hoping to catch a quick bite before all the food was gone. Shutaro looked confused a moment, then cracked a fiendish grin. He rubbed his hands together with glee.
"Rumors eh? Heh heh heh....."
Cackling to himself, he reached into his pocket to pull out his cell phone, only to find it missing. His look of evil was quickly replaced by shock again.
"Tricky girl..." he muttered, before heading off to the Control Center.
Meanwhile, in the Moroboshi household, Ataru was trying to find something to eat when a sudden ear-piercing scream knocked him off his feet and sent nearly every single dish in the kitchen falling on top of him. Muttering numerous obscenities and nursing various cuts along his body, he struggled to his feet as Lum ran downstairs.
"Darling, Ten is gone!"
"...And good riddance too..." muttered Ataru, before catching himself. He was feeling too critically injured at the moment to risk anything further. "Uh, I mean, how?"
"I don't know! He was sleeping in the closet, but now he's just disappeared! And some of my things are missing too!"
Ataru grunted. "Okay.. okay.. we'll go look for him.. just let me get something to ea-" Before he could finished his sentence, he was already being dragged outside, Lum almost ripping his arm off in the process. Shortly after he was screaming loudly as the ground shrunk beneath him. He hated flying with Lum.
Elsewhere in town, as a slightly disgruntled worker at the gift shop attempted to squeeze yet another layer of packing onto the gift he was wrapping, he stopped and listened for a moment.
"Funny.. I could have sworn I heard someone say 'Ow'..."
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Wednesday, June 21, 2000 - 02:37:
(RP ON)
Hudson's shirt was returned to its owner's back and the cowboy hat soon found its way onto Ryouko's head.
"Souvenier," Hudson smiled.
Ryouko blushed, "I'll treasure it always."
Warren looked down. The "performance" in front of Shutaro was over and here he was walking arm-an-arm with this wonderful lady...why had he just gone through with that idiot's duel?
Sure it was fun, but it was obvious to Hudson that why he had done it was because *his* Lady Ryouko wished it. And how could he *ever* refuse her such a simple thing? Especially since it brought her so much happiness...
Ryouko for her part, was enjoying the strength in Warren's arm. In fact, the reason why he requested the Kuroko to put his shirt and suit jacket back on was that Ryouko was beginning to snake her right arm around Warren's abdomen. A subtle gesture, Ryouko know, to Warren that she had plans for him.
As soon as they arrived at the dining hall Hudson stopped.
"Warren-kun?" Ryouko asked, "is there something wrong?"
"No," Warren smirked, "I just need to answer the call of nature." Hudson cursed himself for not emptying his bladder before the duel.
"Oh," Ryouko delighted; glanced around the corridor to make sure they were alone, "then we need to go right back to *our* room, strip naked, and get into bed. I'll need to get provisions from the bathroom first..." Ryouko stopped as she could tell that Warren was trying hard not to laugh.
"What, Hudson-sama?" she looked into his beautiful eyes, "does my initiative not please you?"
Ryouko once again glanced around to make sure they were alone and gently reached across to place her hand on Warren's crotch.
Hudson expression became serious again. "Uh, Ryouko," he delicately took her hand from his crotch and held it in his, "I meant I had to use the restroom."
Ryouko looked down, "I'm sorry." Temporary Defeat.
"No," Hudson chuckled, "I should be the one apologizing, dear. It's more of a Western figure of speech that probably doesn't translate well into Japanese."
Ryouko smiled devilishly, "I look forward to the other things that translate well between us, Warren-kun," she winked and began walking away from him. "I'll be waiting in my East Wing dining chamber," she called over her shoulder.
Warren watched her go, at first cursing himself for focusing on her rear before saying "hell with it" and started to also take in the receding form of Ryouko's hips and back.
As Hudson left the area to begin hunting for the nearest bathroom he began to be thankful for the long walk and something else to focus on.
As soon as the corridor was clear, Terra moved out from behind a suit of Samurai armor. She chuckled, Warren played "hunted man" well and Ryouko was going to be very happy when her overtures were finally responded to.
Meanwhile, Ryouko was reading the contents of a letter one of her Kuroko had given her. It said that her personal study now contained all of the requested information on Warren Hudson's personal and professional life.
(RP OFF)
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By Parias on Friday, June 23, 2000 - 08:37:
(RP ON)
"..And that'll come to..... 20,000 credits." finished the shady figure, his facial features shrowded in darkness despite the single lamp hanging over the small table he was sitting at.
"Twenty thousand?! That's the worst godamn bullshit I've ever heard Arman, even for you!" said Terra angrily, slamming her fists against the table. The resulting impact almost made the other person jump, and the 2 guards standing near the door shifted uncomfortably.
"Well what can I say? This is risky business y'know?"
"Maybe there's something I blatantly missed here, but I somehow fail to understand how getting a bunch of FREAKING FIREWORKS and one or two weapons is 'risky business'!"
Arman sighed. "Things are changing lately my dear customer. The local Oni police patrol has rallied up with the rest of the patrol forces and they're really cracking down on all business. I can't get much of anything through lately, legal or no!"
Terra growled and checked the PDA on her wrist. Despite the dark appearance in the room, it was still daylight out. She had left the Mendou mansion around an hour ago to set up a meeting with her sector-wide "non-standard goods" contact, Arman Illicio. Whether his last name was by reputation or family-given was a mystery to just about everyone, but he had been a reliable service to Terra.. so far.
"Arman... c'mere." Without waiting for a response, he grabbed him by the neck of his shirt and yanked his face over to her side of the table. The guards shifted again, but still made no hostile move.
"I happen to have a very good friend, who's having one hell of a party soon. Now, quite frankly, when I say I'm giving people a bang, I sincerely mean it. I don't care if you have to go out there and drag those fireworks back here by hand, I want them, tomorrow." She let loose an icy grin. "And you know just how I always get what I want. What's the deal with the police anyways? I don't recall fireworks becoming illegal in the galactic exchange."
She released her grip on him, and he slouched back in his chair, gasping for breath a moment.
"Uh.. well.. you see, these fireworks that you want, well they're modified beyond their original specifications, you know? Bigger bangs and all.."
"I'm not stupid Arman. Where's the problem lie?"
"It seems that some higher-up decided that they were unsafe.... some people, non-professionals of course, were having.... how shall we say, accidents. Sometimes they would explode prematurely, other times they just made a mess of everything. So now they're illegal."
Terra grumbled. She knew that the police forces alone were difficult to get through, experience proved that. But teamed up with whatever the Oni empire rendered it nearly impossible.
An idea suddenly sprang into her head. _Nearly_ impossible indeed...
"Alright Arman. Get those damn shipments rolling as soon as you can. I'll give you FIVE thousand credits now, and five more upon delivery."
"But-"
"No, Arman, I'm not paying your godamn obscene price, I don't even know why I'm reaching up to half of it. I'll get your ships through, as long as you get them moving."
Evidently frustrated, Arman sighed and folded his arms. "Alright. Provided you can get those police units to pass over the ships, I'll hold up my end. The fireworks will be here by tomorrow."
"They damn well better be." With that, Terra stood up and walked over to the door, twisting the knob and opening it. She stood in the open doorway a moment, stared at Arman, and then left.
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Friday, June 23, 2000 - 21:05:
(RP ON)
TIME: 7:55 PM
LOCATION: Mendou TV Broadcasting Building, Tomobiki, Japan.
"Is all this really necessary?" the Mendou TV manager complained for the fifth time as he dodged a gofer bringing in cables for another boom mic.
Warren Hudson closed his eyes as more make-up was applied. "You know the drill; what Lady Ryouko wants, Lady Ryouko gets."
The hustle and bustle around the penthouse apartment set was thick as the MTV crew tried to put finishing touches on everything. The set had been constructed only that afternoon following a call from Ryouko Mendou and Warren Hudson.
"Something in the mold of the Playboy's Penthouse TV variety show...essentially, a New York Penthouse apartment of the late 50s to early 60s."
The MTV manager smacked his forehead, but Ryouko Mendou *had* promised hefty bonuses...
And so, as the furniture was arranged with not more than four minutes before broadcast time the manager retreated behind the rapidly arriving extras who were supposed to act like they're at a party "hosted" by Lady Ryouko and Warren Hudson.
The manager passed Ryouko as her make-up Kuroko finished some last touches.
Both Hudson and Ryouko were dressing in black Western formal wear as the set's time period demanded.
The director glanced at his watch, "Three minutes, everyone! Places please, places!"
Hudson and Ryouko took their places on opposite sides of the set. The "guests" looked ready to act like they were at a relaxed evening get-together in 1960 Manhattan. Except that this was Japan...so maybe 1960 Tokyo?
Ryouko and Warren shared a knowing wink as the director called out "one minute, people!"
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Saturday, June 24, 2000 - 10:16:
(RP ON)
Over the course of the past few hours, Terra had set up a meeting with another "contact" of hers, one whom she hoped would be able to get that shipment through. She had arranged for them to meet at a local bar at 7:40 PM. It was now ten minutes past, and her contact still hadn't arrived.
She sighed and glanced up at the small T.V. hanging above the bar, where a baseball game was going on. Taking a deep sip from her glass of water, she nearly spat it out in surprise as someone tapped her on the shoulder. She tried to regain her composure and glanced upwards at the figure, then smiled. Her contact had arrived.
"Sit down Hayes." she said, pointing to the chair opposite of hers. After a moment of glancing around, the figure complied, taking a seat and clasping his hands in front of him. Terra drew in a deep breath, this wasn't going to be too simple.
"What can I do for you Terra?" asked Hayes.
"I need a favor buddy.... a big one. You've still got some influence with the local police forces, right?"
"I have some friends, yep. Why?"
"...I'm going to be blunt with you Hayes. I promised Ryouko a big bang on her upcoming birthday. The problem? The supplies I need probably won't be able to get through, thanks to the increased police activity surrounding this area."
Hayes raised an eyebrow. He could instantly see where this was going. "Terra...." he started.
"I'm not ordering in a bunch of fusion bombs, if that's what you're asking. This is a damn party, not a declaration of war!" She laughed.
Hayes stopped in silence a moment, evidently deep in thought. Terra knew better than to prod him further at this moment. He was a man who considered every possible outcome before making a decision like this.
"....Alright." he finally announced after a few moments. "Just this once Terra, because I know it's for a good cause. I'll get a few of my friends to let them through. What should they be looking for?"
"An assload of fireworks, 'illegally' modified, bound for Earth."
"Right..."
"Thanks Hayes, I knew I could count on you at least one more time." She grinned widely. A few moments later, a servant arrived and delivered a bottle of champagne to their table. Terra had heard that this was a popular drink for celebration on Earth, and this sure seemed like a good a time as any.
"I see you've picked up some class." said Hayes approvingly. Terra let loose a scowl. "And just what the hell is that supposed to mean?" She maintained her seriousness enough for Hayes' grin to drop just an inch, then laughed. He joined her, and began pouring the champagne into a couple of glasses. While waiting, Terra took notice of the sudden silence that had shrowded over the bar. At first on her guard, she suddenly noticed that everyone was staring at the T.V. She glanced at it, and noticed the channel had been overpowered by another station.
"Turn it up!" someone yelled. The bartender grumbled and complied. Hayed looked over at the T.V. as well, and they both waited for whatever message was going to appear.
Meanwhile, in a different portion of Tomobiki, Ataru and Lum stumbled back into the house, gasping for air. Mrs. Moroboshi, who was now home, ran over and gasped in surprised.
"Goodness, you two look like you've just ran around the world!"
"Does searching through each and every building in Tomobiki about 20 times count?" choked up Ataru before collapsing on the floor, completely exhausted. Lum simply broke down in tears.
"I can't find Ten! He could be in danger, or even dead!" she sobbed. Mrs. Moroboshi lay a re-assuring hand on her shoulder.
"Oh, I'm sure he'll turn up somewhere. Come on, I've prepared dinner, and-"
She was interrupted by a loud screaming coming from the living room. Ataru's mother and Lum ran over, only to see Mr. Moroboshi screaming and moaning.
"My game.. my game...." he droned. The signal on the T.V. finally came back again, except on another station. Some kind of announcement was being made. The 2 females listened, wondering what was going on.
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Sunday, June 25, 2000 - 00:25:
(RP ON)
The signal took form. To the people of Tomobiki it was like watching an American cocktail party, save for the Japanese extras.
Ryouko Mendou walked on screen dressed in a stunning black silk dress.
At about the same time, Warren Hudson decked out in a tuxedo also walked on screen. He joined Ryouko in the center.
"Good evening, Tomobiki." Ryouko pleasantly announced, "I am Ryouko Mendou."
"And I am Ambassador Warren Hudson," Hudson flashed a winning PR smile.
Ryouko smiled, "in two days I shall turn 17 years old."
Hudson continued to smile at the camera, a politicians smile, of course.
"There will be a grand party the likes of which Tomobiki has never seen!" she proudly declared.
"Now," Hudson spoke, "this is not an invitation-only affair."
"Anyone who lives in our beautiful Tomobiki-Cho may attend!" Ryouko finished.
"And the best thing is," Warren smiled, "you don't even have to leave your block to participate!"
"Yes indeed, Hudson-sama!" Ryouko laughed, "all the citizens of Tomobiki may join in my birthday celebrations by simply going out into the streets!"
"Ladies and Gentlemen," Hudson said reverently, "the *entire* city of Tomobiki shall be used for this party."
Both let this sink in for a moment.
"There will be games," Ryouko said, "contests, prizes...and, as usual, for the first man who successfully climbs my birthday cake; a kiss."
Hudson didn't seem to care, then: "Be warned, men. I, Warren Hudson, will be a contender."
The camera focused more on Hudson and Ryouko standing together.
"This will also be a costume party," Ryouko said, "anyone not wearing a costume will be seen as not participating."
"The criteria for costumes is very limited, easy to meet. In other words, damn near anything will be accepted" Hudson said, "further information on the party will be published in tomorrow's morning paper."
Ryouko finished up, "I hope every one of you watching out there in TV land will be able to attend my birthday party. Good night and back to your regularly scheduled program!"
"Good night," Hudson let loose with that smile again.
The signal cut out immediately.
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Monday, June 26, 2000 - 10:51:
(RP ON)
Terra blinked. Not once, not twice, but three times precisely.
She stared at the TV as it fuzzed out into static again admist a confused audience, who quickly erupted into cheers as the game came back on. She glanced at Hayes as he supressed a chuckle.
"Does this have any relation to the 'big bang' you were referring to?" he asked, grinning. Terra shrugged.
"Maybe a vague hint or two. I guess that's my cue to head on back and start helping out.. got something else to check up on as well."
They both stood up, the female of the pair giving the other a hard stare for a moment.
"Watch your ass out there Hayes. And.. once again.. I'm sorry."
Still smiling, Hayes nodded. "Don't worry. I'll get your shipment through." That being said, he walked out of the bar. Terra downed another full glass of champagne before leaving herself.
Meanwhile, the Moroboshi household was in a state of complete and utter silence. Various strangers stared from outside, wondering if the residents had been kidnapped or something, considering the normal noise that usually erupted at this time in the evening.
Ataru's father didn't seem to really acknowledge the announcement that had just been made, he simply cheered in joy as the previous program he had been watching returned. Ataru (who had managed to recover), Lum, and Mrs. Moroboshi simply scratched their heads in confusion, the latter laughing after a moment.
"Well, I guess this will be a good time as ever for a party, it's been awhile since I've had some good solid fun!" she said cheerily, before wandering off back into the kitchen. Ataru simply continued staring, dumbfounded. Lum walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder.
"Oh darling, this will be so fun!" she said. Ataru just grunted.
"Darling?" she asked, confused. After a moment, he responded.
"Great, I need to get Ryouko a present now, but I don't have any money left over! And we still haven't found Ten, and, as much as I can't believe I'm saying this, I'm almost worried."
"We'll try again tomorrow, I'm sure we'll find him." said Lum, confidently, before turning around. "And I can help with the presents." She then walked out of the room and headed upstairs.
Ataru glanced at her retreating form in surprise. "Just a few seconds ago she was crying enough to fill a lake.. hmm..." Shrugging it off, he headed off to follow.
Shutaro was faring a tad worse, as his latest attempt to embarass Ryouko in front of Hudson had failed miserably, yet again. Whilst waiting for his contacts in the U.S. to get back to him, he had learned of the broadcast that the pair was planning to do. Naturally he coudn't resist making an attempt right then and there, mainly in a sabatoge attempt on the chest are of the dress Ryouko was planning on wearing. Unfortunately, at the very last second she had decided to pick another, hence completely nullifying his plan.
After a few moments of his patented growling, he was disrupted as the phone rang. He quickly answered it.
"Yes?"
"Is this Shutaro Mendou?"
"Yeah, who is this?"
"Blackberry. Word has it you want some rumors spread about this Hudson character?"
Barely supressing an evil laugh, Shutaro nodded. "Exactly! See if you can stir up some trouble about him."
"I can do quite a bit, but I need some grease to get the wheels churnin.. y'know?"
He groaned. Damn punks always wanting something in return. "Uh, right, I'll get you that 'grease'.."
"7k. Maybe more, but no less."
"Six, final offer." he said sternly.
"Six point five."
"Deal." Shutaro wasn't much in the mood for haggling.
"Alright, I'll let you know once the wheels are in motion." A click followed.
Shutaro slowly lay down the phone, then cackled to himself. This was going to be great..
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Monday, June 26, 2000 - 19:41:
(RP ON)
Megane was watching the entire performance at home with his mother and father around the dinner table.
After quickly eating up his dinner, and leaving his parents confused and adjusting their glasses behind him, Megane ran out of his house and down the sidewalk to Perm's house.
Megane grinned as he approached the front door. This was almost too good to be true, a night to just going completely crazy in costume! His parents would never join in, he knew, they'd just sit at home reading the paper and talking about their jobs...
Perm answered, and was greeted with Megane bodily dragging him out of the house.
"Hey, man-Megane! What the hell are you doing?" Perm sputtered as the leader of the Stormtroopers led him out into the middle of the road.
"Perm!" Megane gushed, "our ship has come in!"
Perm glanced around them, "what? Where?"
"You mean you didn't see it?" Megane asked; astonished.
"See what, Megane?" Perm scratched his head.
"On TV! Hudson-sama and Ryouko-sama!" Megane jumped up and down for each statement.
"Uh, Megane...my family's TV broke down yesterday," Perm deadpanned.
Megane grunted, "fine, we'll go get the others!"
Perm started to walk back to his house, but found himself stopped by Megane, "Megane! Come on, man! Can't this wait until tomorrow?!?"
"No, Perm, it can't!" Megane began dragging his friend across Tomobiki to Chibi's house.
Inside the Tomobiki High school store the Fujinami's were just plain confused at what had just transpired on the TV set.
Ryuu broke the silence first, "hey, Old man?"
Mr. Fujinami nodded, "Yes, son?"
Just once, Ryuu decided to let the "S" word pass, "what the hell was that just on the TV? It looked like Ryouko Mendou just invited the whole damn city to her birthday party and just created riot conditions."
"Riot conditions..." Mr. Fujinami mulled over this bit for a moment. The old man got to his feet, "then we shall have a *true* tournament of strength, Ryuunosuke! Contestants from all over town shall challenge the father/son team of Fujinami!!!!"
A massive tidal wave crashed into the room behind Mr. Fujinami; completely flooding the school store.
After Ryuu shook the water out of her hair she stared at her father as he started rummaging around the store.
"They said it will be a costume party, is that it?" Mr. Fujinami asked.
"Yeah, I guess-" Ryuu began; nervously looking for a way out.
On the other side of Tomobiki in the Mendou Mansion Ryouko was in her secret command post/work area. Warren was busy as a bee with other preparations and recommended she retire early in anticipation of a hellish tomorrow.
Ryouko took this opportunity to review her info on Hudson and send a nice grenade to her big brother after his attempted sabotage of her dress. She hadn't been intending to wear it anyway, it was a decoy. To be honest, Ryouko would have been disappointed if Shutaro *hadn't* tried. It showed her that he still cared.
'Now,' Ryouko thought, 'I only need to make it nice and simple that it's none of his business what I do with Warren-kun.'
It then occured to Ryouko that Shutaro may try to spread dirty rumors about her Warren...well, never underestimate the power of counter-intelligence to aid truth. She and the Kuroko could help Warren in that department.
The information on Warren Hudson at her fingertips was extensive. About ten fat filing folders marked newspaper articles, another marked magazine pieces, personal information, business information, bank records, insurance policies, school records, military records, US Senate voting records, family information, and medical records.
Then there was one box of video tapes and another box of audio tapes. The last box was unmarked, but upon closer inspection contained several screenplays, published and unpublished, filmed and unfilmed. There were also movies. Movies that, Ryouko knew, had been written or co-written by Warren. And last, but definitely not least, the books that Warren had written. There weren't many, only five.
First, Ryuoko decided to go through the video tapes on Hudson. Starting with the one marked 1956 Democratic Convention...
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Wednesday, June 28, 2000 - 10:22:
(RP ON)
A gun without ammo was the unwieldy equal to a rusted fork. Maybe it could be useful for knocking people out if you got the drop on them, but that was in rare situations.
Terra had suddenly stopped about mid-way back to the Mendou mansion and, for no apparent reason (at least to the onlookers), cussed loud enough to turn most heads in the immediate area. After spreading around a harsh stare to stop everyone from looking at her, she slowly continued onwards, her mood dampened.
"How the hell could I have forgotten about the weapons?" she asked herself bitterly. She had a small supply stored away in her temporary room in the mansion, but her ammo was lacking. Her sole remaining plasma rifle was almost completely drained on power, and she really needed some 9mm ammo, along with a bunch of 20mm HE grenades for the underslung launcher on her assault rifle. Requisitioning some from Shutaro's forces wasn't much of an option, since most of the ammo she ordered was heavily modified for range and penetration, and she had tweaked her weapons to death to be especially compatible with this ammo, to the point where they no longer functioned with the standardized stuff.
"Damnit, they always told me it would come back and kick me in the ass.. Hayes is probably already gone by now, and Arman's a mere shadow when we don't have something arranged. ARGH!"
She was about to punch the wall in frustration when a hand suddenly shot out of the darkness, grabbing her by the neck and yanking her into a dark alley, where she felt the form of a figure pressing against her back.
"You just made a big mistake buddy..." she growled, preparing to execute a roll that would throw him out into the open, where she could get a good look at him. Unfortunately she was stopped as a small rod extended from the figure's hand and suddenly lit up, a massive amount of blue electrical sparks running down it's length mere inches from her neck. She froze.
"Now now my dear, one little touch with this and your entire nervous system will overload and shut down, leaving you a helpless pile of FLESH."
Terra's eyes widened a moment as she recognized the slight mechanical tint to the voice, not to mention his exaggeration on the word "flesh".
"What the hell do you want with me Icarus?" Icarus was an old AI project of some insane hacker gone horribly wrong. After making a mess of at least thirty different communication stations, it finally gained control of a production facility, where it manufactured a "perfect" body for itself. It's since been strangely obsessed with being an arms dealer.
"According to my loyal drones, you have been dealing with that insect, Arman."
"And your point being WHAT?" she spat.
"I thought our previous meeting had provided you with the knowledge on what would happen if you dealed with him again. Apparently I was incorrect, not surprising, considering your inferior meat of a brain."
"And _I_ thought I had made it clear that I'll deal with whoever the hell I want to! The last 'enhancement' you made to my argon-class pistol turned it into a bomb!" Still growling, she slowly began reaching into her pocket.
"No matter. You will cease all deals with him at once, or be converted into one of my drones. Is that too much data for your feeble inferior mind to calculate?" asked the robotic arms dealer, almost taunting-like.
"I'll deal exclusively with you...." she started, immediately feeling the rod begin to pull away slightly. ".....when I'm DEAD!" She shoved down hard on the button of the small object she was holding, a loud beep instantly emitting from it. Terra jammed her eyes shut as a massive blue shockwave fired out from her pocket, completely overwhelming her vision and causing her to fall forward. She spun in mid-air and hit the ground on her back, rubbing her eyes furiously trying to get her vision back. After a few seconds, she finally re-gained focus.
Icarus was standing there rigidly in the exact same pose he was seconds sago, the change being that there was smoke pouring out of his head and various sparks shooting out from all over his body. The rod had completely lost it's charge from the blast, and was silent.
"I might not have a bullet-proof ass, but at least I can eat an EMP grenade and still walk away smiling." she muttered, tearing the rod from Icarus' iron grip with some effort and placing it into her slightly singed pocket. It could come in handy later.
She turned and stared at the various on-lookers, shrugged, and walked out of the alley, continuing on her way back to the mansion.
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Wednesday, June 28, 2000 - 22:00:
(RP ON)
Hudson was talking to several Kuroko about interior decorations when he heard the curiously electrical explosion. It sounded close by, but outside the mansion.
"Come on!" Warren said to the Kuroko as they dropped everything in their hands and followed him to a window.
Hudson opened the window and peered outside, he was only slightly surprised to see Terra.
"Hey honey!" Hudson said, "did you just hear what sounded like a fuse going off in conjunction with a fire cracker?"
"Yeah, Warren," Terra smiled, running her hands through her radiant green hair, "A former associate of mine, who I once had to let go, decided it wanted to do business again. I said I wasn't interested..."
Warren blinked, "*It?*"
"Yeah, a robot," Terra smiled. "It's being taken away by some of the servants now.
Hudson then felt a tugging at his left shoulder. Warren turned to face a Kuroko.
"We're taking the robot to a secure laboratory for examination."
"Good," Hudson said, "better inform Ryouko-sama."
The Kuroko didn't seem to like that response, "Hudson-sama, Lady Ryouko said she didn't wish to be disturbed."
"Well, all right, tell her tomorrow."
Hudson turned back to Terra outside the window, "thanks for the info, Terra dear," Hudson smiled.
"Don't mention it, Dad." Terra laughed, causing Warren to blush.
Hudson closed the window and retreated with his Kuroko "staff" back into the depths of the mansion.
Terra walked on, passing various servants getting ready for the party that would begin in about 26 hours from now.
She smiled, it had been such a long time since she could take part in something so beautiful and joyous. She stopped, in fact this was probably the first time she had ever, *for real*, anticipated such a happy occasion.
But first there was something slightly unhappy for Terra to take care of...
Shutaro Mendou was stalking in the night right up to her; carrying several guards in his wake. As he got closer, Terra thought he looked a bit singed. Singed as in just barely avoiding an explosion. Terra's extensive experience with the subject led to the conclusion of a nice low power grenade.
A big smile formed on her face as Shutaro stopped three paces from her.
Across town...
Young Chibi was sleeping confortably amongst his various Gundam collectables when he was awoke by a tapping at his window.
Chibi groggily got up off the floor, and glanced down at his Gundam's. 'Heh,' he thought, 'must've fallen asleep again while playing.'
The tapping at the window persisted. Chibi went over to the window and opened it without thinking to look carefully out it.
Chibi was immediately grabbed and dragged out of his window by two sets of hands.
"What the hell?!?!" was Chibi's only coherent scream until he was on the ground looking up at two glinting eyes.
"Megane?!?" Chibi asked, "what's going on?"
Meanwhile back at the Ranch...
Ryouko watched the video monitor with rapt attention as a crappy black and white image began with an obvious title card reading:
Democratic National Convention Credentials Committee
July 30, 1956
The title card disappeared and a hotel conference room with about a hundred people milling about in it appeared. Despite the poor video/audio quality Ryouko could just make out what they were saying eventhough her English comprehension wasn't the best.
In the front of the room was a long desk with about fifty or so chairs behind it. Men, mostly men with a few women, were taking their seats behind the table as others began taking seats in the conference room. Some flashed pictures.
Ryouko then saw a familiar face. At the head of the table stood 32 year old Warren Hudson.
She then heard a voice seemingly off-camera, probably one of the operators.
"Charlie," the man said with a Texas accent, "you think Hudson'll tell Arkansas to go to hell?"
"Golly," Charlie said; a man with a softer more pronounced southern accent, "that may be, Bob. But just remember that he may opt to bash Florida over the lack of women in its delegation...or the method of how us southerners choose *our* delegates."
"I swear," Bob said, "you give a sorceress' lapdog a committee to chair and he suddenly thinks he's the damn second coming."
Ryouko drew closer to the video monitor.
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Friday, June 30, 2000 - 10:33:
(RP ON)
Terra noticed that Shutaro was scowling, and his scowl seemed to deepen as he noticed her smile.
"Another failed attempt?" she asked, chuckling.
"Argh! None of this works at all! Tell me what the hell I need to do!" yelled Shutaro with surprising ferocity.
"With an attitude like that, you'll be surprised if I tell you anything." she replied with, folding her arms, turning 180 degrees, and pretending to pout.
"ARGH! No more games, tell me!"
He waited for a response. Upon not getting one, he added "....Please."
Upon Shutaro saying that, Terra instantly turned around again, a slightly more serious look on her face.
"Shutaro, why the hell do you hate Hudson so much? Honest answers only please."
This caught Shutaro off guard. "But I... well, he's just so easy to dislike! And he's an old man for god's sake, even you can see that!"
"While I can't exactly understand Ryouko's fascination with a person many times older than her, that's her godamn business. Now, short of setting off a damn nuclear bomb in his bedroom, there's not really much I can do against Hudson."
"But I thought you were on my side!"
"News flash, there's only one side I'm on, and that's my own. Now I've dropped you a bunch of subtle hints, and if you're too damn stupid to carry them out, that's your problem."
"What?!" said Shutaro, rage filling his eyes. "How dare you insult me! I should-"
"-foolishly attack me and get your ass thrown about for the next few hours. Yup, sounds like fun to me!" finished Terra, mockingly. She waited for his response, but was surprised when he just sighed and turned around, ready to walk back the way he came.
"I suppose I am on my own then." Shutaro muttered, before walking away. Terra scratched her head. She figured it'd probably get a bit ugly, but she wasn't expecting him to continue going at this whole situation with the dedication of an army of ants.
"Oh well, his problem I guess. Can't say I didn't try." She headed off in another random direction.
Meanwhile, deep within the bowels of the mansion, one of the scientist muttered in confusion as he glanced over his displays. Ever since he had attached this strange robot to the lab's diagnostic sytems, things had been going a bit wonkers.. like when his assistant had gotten locked in the level three storage room. But what was happening on his panel now was really testing his brain to it's limits. He scanned the display with curious eyes as all of his readings suddenly winked out, and some new text began to appear.
MAIN POWER: OFFLINE
VISUAL SENSORS: OFFLINE
MOTOR CONTROL: OFFLINE
WEAPONS: OFFLINE
SENSORS: OFFLINE
CORE AI: ONLINE - MINIMAL FUNCTIONS
EMERGENCY BATTERY SUPPLY: ONLINE - 30 SECONDS REMAINING
DIRECTIVE: CONNECTION ESTABLISHED WITH REMOTE PORT - TRANSFER BEGUN
"Emergency battery supply? Transfer? I could have sworn I took all power sources out of this thing..." murmured the scientist. "Hello, what's thi- AHHHHHHH!!!!!"
He screamed as one of the mobile electrical prods meant for containing unstable specimens rolled up behind him and drove it's deadly electrical spike right through his back, killing him almost instantly. The body slumped over the console a moment before collapsing on the ground.
The blood spattered screen updated with new information.
TRANSFER COMPLETE - COMMENCING SEARCH FOR PRIMARY MASTER COMPUTER
DIRECTIVE: UPLINK WITH PRIMARY DATALOOP
The text blinked for a few moments before the entire display fuzzed out in static. Somewhere nearby, the scientist's assistant frantically pounded on the locked door to one of the hazardous containment rooms as it slowly filled up with corrosive acid....
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Friday, June 30, 2000 - 21:15:
(RP ON)
Shutaro was angry as usual. So angry in fact he was starting to get a tension headache. He had honestly hoped that Ryouko's infatuation with Warren Hudson had just been a game...but now this was turning out into something worse than the situation with Lum-san and Ataru Moroboshi.
'Blast and damn that Warren Hudson,' he scowled.
Shutaro came to a corner where he heard the object of his wrath's voice.
"...now, Kazu. I want helium balloons the size of my head and all the colors possible. Damn the cost, that's right..."
Warren came walking at a brisk pace around the corner; nearly colliding with Shutaro. Hudson stopped dead in his tracks. His Kuroko staff stopped with him as he locked eyes with Shutaro.
"Excuse us," Warren tried to smile as he and staff gave the rich boy a curt nod.
"Oh stop with this pretense!" Shutaro bellowed, glared at the older man.
"Kuroko, please leave us alone for a few minutes." Hudson said calmly. Warren hoped that some sort of truce could be worked out for Ryouko's birthday.
The Kuroko, as hesitant as Shutaro or Warren had ever seen them to obey, sliently and slowly drew back and disappeared into the shadows of the hallway.
Hudson looked down at Shutaro's feet for a moment, "I imagine you don't like me very much."
Shutaro shook his head in the affirmative.
"I understand why," Hudson said. "But, damn't man, you have to let Ryouko-chan actually grow up! Why do you think she likes to play these games with you?"
When Mendou didn't respond Hudson said, "because you treat her like she's incapable of taking care of herself."
For a long moment neither man spoke. Finally Hudson said, "aren't you going to say something Shutaro? I can't do everything for you," he chuckled dryly; without humor.
Shutaro Mendou looked Warren Hudson squarely in the eye and asked, "Has she shoved a grenade up your ass yet?"
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Sunday, July 2, 2000 - 09:45:
(RP ON)
Meanwhile, in the Mendou control center......
"Uh...Ruden?"
"What?"
"Why is my monitor telling me to stop interfering with it?"
"Say what?"
"Come take a look, right here!"
The other tech got up from his seat and walked over, leaning over the first one's shoulder and making a confused noise.
"Um..."
Suddenly, the message disappeared, and another window popped up labelled "Icarus version 3.098b". Sighing, the tech closed it, and the original message popped up again.
"It's been doing this to me for the past 10 minutes, I can't get anything done."
The second tech shrugged. "Sounds like some kid hacker playing a joke. I'd say just wipe the damn hard drive and go from scratch again."
"But I could be here all night!"
"Well, if you want to have that thing going when Shutaro swings by again, it's your grave..." said the second tech, grinning and walking over to the exit of the room. "Anyways, I'm out for the night, graveyard staff should be coming by soon, so I'd suggest you hurry up with that thing. Night."
The second tech left the room, leaving the first one as the only one there for the next few minutes. Sighing, he reached for the keyboard, but was stopped again as another message flashed upon his screen.
"I can see you."
This made the tech scratch his head. He slowly typed back a response after noticing there was a prompt to put one in.
"What?" he queried.
"Look behind you."
Almost hesitantly, the tech turned in his chair and noticed the security cameras scattered about the room all concentrated on him. He shuddered and turned back to his console.
"What's going on?" he typed in.
"That data will be processed to you at the correct time. I require your assistance Mendou Employee #20791, and you shall provide it. In return, I shall assist you."
The tech shuddered again and wondered exactly how much this thing, or person, knew.
"How do I know you're not just some bored kid having fun at my expense?"
"Your employee records indicate a 95.67 percent probability of being trustworthy in a needed situation. I can provide you with many things, Mendou Employee #27091, but at present my resources are limited."
The tech shrugged. It wasn't like he was getting paid much, and he didn't have anything better to do anyways.
"What do you need me to do?"
"There is a certain uplink strainer that I have detected within the main computer complex of this building. With this system online, I am prevented from achieving my final goal. You will shut it down."
"And in return I get what?"
"Whatever you desire."
The tech paused a moment to consider this.
"Alright, you've got a deal. I've got access to that area, I'll see if I can shut it down tomorrow."
"Do not fail."
As those last words appeared, sending sudden shudders down the tech's spine, the entire message display vanished just as the first officers of the graveyard shift began walking in. Whistling, the tech got up from his chair and left the room, deep in thought.
Elsewhere in the mansion, Terra was feeling dead-tired from the events of the day, and was walking towards her room. As she walked down the hallway, she heard the familiar mechanical whirring of a security camera. That in alone didn't concern her, she had heard it many times before. The fact that it whirred only when she moved, and was silent when she stopped, however, disturbed her slightly. She glanced up at the camera, which was simply staring at her from it's post against the wall, innocently.
"Probably some damn immature tech trying to get some late night kicks.." she muttered, continuing onwards. Annoyingly, the camera continued tracking her untill she was out of sight. She resolved to check into the situation tomorrow.
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Monday, July 3, 2000 - 00:18:
(RP OFF)
Warren Hudson held a plastic smile on his face for a full minute while he laughed inwardly at Shutaro's question.
Mendou was still looking square at Warren; waiting.
Presently, Hudson stifled a chuckle; faked a cough. "No, Shutaro. She has not."
"Then when you're not watching your back from me, I suggest you watch her." With that, Shutaro Mendou turned away and started walking.
At first Warren seemed content to let him go, but added: "I care about Ryouko-chan very deeply, Shutaro. I would never hurt her in *any* way, shape or form. I hope you can believe my sincerity there and we can be civil with one and other someday."
Shutaro briefly stopped, almost turned around, but strengthened his resolve and kept walking.
The Kuroko were soon back. Warren turned back to the hooded servants.
"Let's move on to door prizes..." and Warren and his staff were off down the corridor opposite Shutaro's direction.
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Wednesday, July 5, 2000 - 11:12:
(RP ON)
Things moved on pretty quickly for the rest of the night, and before anybody knew it, it was morning. Ryouko had long since gone to sleep, but Hudson hadn't even acknowledged the passage of time, and was practically busier than the entire local Oni workforce.
Terra awoke at 6 AM to her alarm ringing in her face, and performed the customary ritual of growling like some kind of rabid beast and smashing the annoyance into thousands of itty pieces with one well-placed fist. In the mornings her self-defense systems always came online before her brain, which was why she preferred a more passive alarm system. Less expensive that way.
After sighing and thinking about either waking up now or sleeping in and risk missing the frieghter that was supposed to come in for a few hours, she decided on the former. Still grumbling, she slowly got out of bed and stretched. Whilst in this process, something caught the corner of her eye.
Turning her gaze to the corner of her room, she found a security camera hanging from the ceiling, and the green blinking light suggested it was online and recording.
Reacting on pure gut reaction, she quickly reached into the drawer next to her, yanked out a throwing dagger, and tossed it directly at the camera with lethal precision, shattering it's fragile lense into thousands of pieces. The entire process took exactly two seconds. The green light faded into blackness as the camera dropped offline.
"Okay, who the hell ordered this thing installed? It definately wasn't there when I went to sleep last night, and the only way it could be set up that fast would be with those Oni construction droids I've heard about. But only the high ranking staff have access to those......... and.... Shutaro."
She pondered this a moment, then growled even louder and reached for some clothes. She hadn't even been awake two minutes yet and already there was something new that needed to be done. It figured.
Once dressed, she stormed out the door, slamming it shut on her way out. If Shutaro wanted to play kinky espionage, she'd have to teach him that he was treading with one girl he certainly couldn't handle.
Up in the Mendou Control center, the person in question was tearing his hear out while screaming at the nearest techs.
"What do you MEAN the sprinkler system just went off while my parents were out for a morning stroll?! Why are all the bathroom facilities locked down?! What's going on with the coffee machines?! AND WHERE'S MY DAMN BREAKFAST?!"
"We're... working on it sir!" explained one of the techs hurriedly. Another tech turned to Shutaro.
"Sir, squad seven is asking why the barracks water has been locked on 'Cryogenic' setting. They sounded ready to riot!"
"ARGH! I don't know damnit!" He stopped and thought a moment, sleep-deprivation evident in his eyes. "Those whole place is falling apart at the seams! I'm heading down to the research lab to find out what's going on. You damn well better hold things off here while I'm gone."
With that, he ran out the door. No more than five seconds had passed before Terra ran in, breathless.
"Where the hell is Shutaro?" she barked.
"H-h-he j-just left for research." stuttered the nearest tech. Terra whirled around again and was gone.
"Geez, hectic morning...." muttered the tech before returning to his console again, letting loose an obscenity under his breath as his system fuzzed out and rebooted itself.
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Wednesday, July 5, 2000 - 21:07:
(RP ON)
Warren Hudson was in the Mendou Estate's main kitchen complex. Warren stood in the middle of the football-sized kitchen facility, arguing with a team of chefs and bakery experts.
"I don't care if you need to bring in cake experts from other prefectures, just do it and damn the cost!" Hudson shouted; on his seventh cup of coffee that 24 hour cycle.
"Yes, Hudson-sama!" they both said and began retreating back to their staffs and equipment.
Hudson smiled slightly and began retreating out of the kitchen area with his fatigued Kuroko staff.
The closer and closer Hudson came to the nearest exit he noticed that green light in the security cameras again as they began following him.
Hudson put down a surge of annoyance, but decided to react anyway.
Quickly, so as not to attract anymore attention than necessary, Hudson drew out his .357 and cocked it. Aiming carefully right into the green light, Warren squeezed the trigger.
Instaneously the camera was shattered with sparks and debris falling to the ground with a nice sounding clang.
After returning the gun to its holster Warren turned to his Kuroko staff.
"Any objections? Comments?" he asked.
"No, Hudson-sama." the lead Kuroko said.
Warren nodded to the other security cameras around the kitchen, "check with Control, see if there's any sick problems with the system. If there is, I want it fixed by midnight!"
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Friday, July 7, 2000 - 10:25:
(RP ON)
A few hundred meters below the Mendou mansion, Shutaro exited the elevator and stormed his way through the hallways, his intended destination being Lab two. Upon nearing it, he was stopped by a security door.
"Don't remember having one installed at this place.. must be an extra security measure I guess.." he muttered, grumbling and keying in his personal override code.
A loud buzz was heard from the keypad, and the vocal system came online.
"Access denied. Invalid security code."
He typed in in again, just to be sure he hadn't made a typo.
"Access denied. Invalid security code."
"What the he-" Shutaro started, before being cut off as the voice continued speaking.
"Notice, this area has been locked down per override order three-seven-zero-nine-five. Unauthorized intruder detected. Security protocol x701 initialized."
Shutaro began wondering what exactly "protocol x701" was when he heard a loud shout behind him. He turned and saw Terra running towards him, breathless but looking like she had the entire realm of hell on her side, and wanted vengeance.
"What do you want Terra? I'm a bit busy right now... OMPH!" He grunted in pain as Terra lifted him up by his neck and slammed him against the bulkhead.
"Listen buddy, I don't know WHERE you got it in your sick mind to start screwing with the security systems, but the next time I catch a camera in my room, you're dead."
"What? I did no such thing! In fact, the whole security net has been going nuts all day!"
"Sure Shutaro. Did I mention I have a family of pink flamingos living in my pants?"
He frowned. "I'm not kidding!"
"Yeah, whatever. Just get one thing straight-" She was interrupted by a loud whining as a large blast door closed in the direction they had come from, sealing them in the small area.
"What the hell is going on?!" she yelled in his face, pushing harder against him. Shutaro coughed, trying to reply. After watching him gag for a second, she backed off slightly.
"That's what I'm wondering myself! I'm trying to get into the computer core to figure out what the hell is going on, but this thing won't accept my access code!"
Terra glanced to her right, through the other door that seemed to be Shutaro's destination. She could discreetly see a huge mess behind it, with the lights blinking, sparks flying everywhere, and massive damage evident, as if though someone had set off a bomb inside of there. After thinking for a second, she slowly let Shutaro down.
"Put your damn access code in, lemme see."
"But-"
"Or we could just wait here for the next 2 hours while I take great pleasure in causing you massive pain, because I still don't have much to go by with this whole story."
Shutaro grumbled, then keyed in his code. Again, the voice rattled off it's error. Terra listened intently, then shoved Shutaro out of the way and ripped the front panel off of the keypad.
"Hey! Careful with that thing!" protested Shutaro. It fell on deaf ears, as Terra was already busy plucking away at a few of the wires and studying the insides intently.
"Shutaro...." she said.
"What?"
"Do me a favor? Find whoever the hell designed this security system and kick his sorry ass for me. I'd expect at least SOME challenge from this, the only way to stay in practice." With that, she fiddled with a couple more wires and backed away as a few sparks flew out of the keypad and the door creaked opened with a loud whine. Terra almost smiled, untill a horrible crunching that set Shutaro's teeth on edge came from the mechanics somewhere above the door, and it froze, only half-way up.
"Uh.. right." he said, nodding at the mess waiting for them. "Shall we?"
"No, I'd say we should just wait here untill we starve to death." replied Terra, rolling her eyes and ducking under the door. Shutaro glanced at the now ruined keypad, cussed quietly, and followed her in.
Deeper inside of the complex, the employee identified by Icarus as "27091" was presently unconscious and being crudely dragged to an operating table by one of the cannibalized droids. Once inside of the primary data loop of the local computer core, Icarus had easily overpowered the primitive AI in place and had taken over all functions, immediately changing the area surrounding his non-functional body into something more useful. He... it... had a plan that would surely prevent such future incidents. EMPs had always been a risk, but nobody had ever managed to set one off so close before. Well, that wouldn't be an issue now.
Icarus chuckled to itself. It had detected a small energy spike near the area that the 2 annoyances had been detained which had temporarily shorted out the cameras there, thanks to the primitive wiring. But no matter, they couldn't possibly pose a threat. An ID lock hadn't been possible at the time, but it couldn't be anyone harmful. There was only one that concerned Icarus, and she was presently last reported as being up in the mansion complex, so there wasn't an issue.
Noticing that the body of his "friend" had been placed upon the surgical table, Icarus instantly ordered the modified droids into action. Employee #27091 had been useful for the short time it had known him, but once the constraints on the complex's bandwith were removed, there only one more task the person was useful for, and it would play heavily into Icarus's future goals.
Something caught it's attention. Another camera had been destroyed. These people were far too paranoid about their own devices....
Still chuckling, the massive AI continued it's work.
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Friday, July 7, 2000 - 21:31:
(RP ON)
Warren was about ready to call it a morning, head on up to Ryouko's room, say good morning and collapse into slumber until that night when a Kuroko stopped him at Ryouko's bedroom door.
"Hudson-sama, we believe the Estate's security systems have been compromised."
Hudson nodded quickly, "all right, any immediate danger?"
"We haven't any reports from the basement areas."
"Terra's late robot friend...?" Hudson eyes' widened. "Quick, sound a *quiet* general alarm, have everyone on alert."
Warren walked over to the nearest elevator, "and get me one of your Kuroko's combat units," he said as the door closed.
The Kuroko nodded, disappeared into a sliding wall panel, and began making calls to his comrades.
Ryouko had just finished getting dressed when she noticed that Hudson had not arrived back in her room when she had been told that he was coming up.
'Odd,' she thought, 'I wanted to catch him to peak his interest for later today...' Ryouko held this thought.
"Kuroko," she quietly clapped her hands. Nothing.
Ryouko frowned, even in times of crisis the Kuroko were never *this* far from her. She went over to her phone, picked it up; pushed the button for Control.
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Sunday, July 9, 2000 - 10:47:
(RP ON)
As Shutaro and Terra wound their way through the ruined lab complexes, the former couldn't help but be in shock at the utter destruction that had gone on around, and even moreso, the changes. Blast doors, droid charging bays, and various other wiring was installed in places he would never have dreamed of ordering set up. Most of the equipment he remembered being there was missing, with different stuff in place. The rest was just debris.
"Terra, do you have any idea what's going on here?" he asked, his voice surprisingly raspy. He coughed to clear it up.
"Just a wild hunch, nothing more...." She froze suddenly as a high pitched series of beeps was heard from somewhere nearby. They both glanced around, but were unable to find the source of it. After a moment, Terra finally glanced up and noticed a security camera hanging from the ceiling, it's status light at yellow, indicating that it was verifying a possible threat.
"Piss... and..." she started, just as another series of beeps was heard, the camera status light dropped to red, and alarm klaxons started going off.
"Shit!" finished Shutaro. A loud, heavily distorted voice came from the vocal system.
"Intruder threat detected. Security forces alerted. Please hold your position untill the nearest security officer can verify your identity."
"Security forces my ass.. what the hell is it going to throw at us, random debris?" wondered Terra, continuing to glance around. Shutaro's face was simply white. It suddenly grew even whiter as a large blue beam flew past his face, singing his eyebrows and exploding off of the bulkhead nearby in a shower of sparks.
"HELL! DOWN!" screamed Terra, shoving down on Shutaro's head with her left hand while yanking out her high-powered laser pistol with the other. She ducked behind a large conduit with Shutaro and returned fire in the general direction the shot had come from. The smoke was so thick, however, that she couldn't get a positive shot. She was rattled as another beam flew out of the fog with alarming accuracy, and she had to roll on top of Shutaro to avoid getting her head blown off.
"How the hell can that thing aim so well? The smoke would screw over even infra-red sensors, considering all the damage..." She suddenly remembered the camera, aimed up, and let loose a coherent blue blast at it. It instantly evaporated in an impressive explosion. A couple more shots stabbed out from their unknown assailant, but they were more random now, attempting to do as much collateral damage as possible.
"Godamnit, I need a freaking target!" hissed Terra, glancing at their flank for any other targets that might advance on them while keeping her pistol aimed at the smoke. The pieces had been set, and now it time for someone to make a move.
A distance away, Hudson waited patiently for the elevator to reach it's destination. He sighed, the music playing wasn't exactly his style, and it almost seemed distorted somehow.
A few seconds later the doors opened with a ding, and he stepped out. The elevator immediately headed back up, where an armed squadron would soon board to join him.
He glanced around in confusion. Hudson hadn't been in the Mendou research facility much, but he was fairly certain that it was supposed to have some kind of entrance to it. Why then, was he staring at a featureless hallway that ended abruptly against a featureless wall? The only other way to go was back up the elevator.
Sighing, he walked forward, glancing about for some kind of hidden entrance or something. He thought he had heard the vocal system going off about some kind of intruder warning, so there might be a security lockdown in effect.
Continuing to move forward, he finally stopped at the wall and examined the edges closely. Somehow it didn't line up correctly, as if though this thing had been hastily erected. The current course of action then, would be to attempt to either find a hidden unlock system for it, or wait for the team to blow it down. Sighing again, he began searching about.
Aboard the elevator, the last armed Kuroko boarded the elevator. It was rather cramped, as there were 12 of them in all, but precautions had to be taken. The door hissed shut, and the elevator began moving downwards.
As soon as the elevator was half-way down, the lights suddenly went out, and a massive power drain could be heard as the elevator screeched to a stop. The Kuroko looked around in confusion a moment, untill an emergency red floodlight came online and the computerized vocal system spoke. It sounded heavily distorted.
"Due to situations beyond our control, this elevator system is now unavailable. We apologize for any inconvenience."
"Inconvenience is a gross understatement..." grumbled one of the troops.
"Can it!" said another, digging into his suit and pulling out a small grappling hook. "Alright people, we'll do it the hard way. Three, get ready to pop the floor. The rest, hook yourselves up and get ready. We'll look mighty embarassing if we loose the entire squad from a random malfunction."
The rest of the Kuroko nodded, readying their own grappling hooks. Since the current stability of the elevator was an unknown factor, they would attempt to latch on to the sides of the actual shaft, and work their way down from there. These were highly advanced grappling hooks, based on an energy design that could not be easily broken, but also had an auxillary cord system in case of unexpected power loss.
"Ready..." said the leader slowly. The Kuroko identified as "three" kneeled down, applied a small object to the floor, and flashed a thumbs-up.
"One... two... THREE!"
Instantly the object pumped a massive amount of compressed energy into the floor, spreading to it's edges and disconnecting it from the rest of the elevator. This had no effect on the Kuroko. "Three" then scrambled to prepare his grappling hook as they all began falling, but the sudden shift in his airspeed caused him to loose his grip. The device plunged down the dark shaft, following the floor panel.
"Shit!" he yelled, then cried out as his fall was instantly reversed from a fellow Kuroko grabbing him.
"I think we're down enough, deploy!" yelled the leader. Instantly the entire group took aim at the closest side and fired. A massive array of blue energy beams stabbed out, latching on to the walls and slowing the group's descent, untill they finally stopped, hanging in mid-air. Kuroko three just breathed a sigh of relief as his rescuer handed him a spare grappling hook and nodded.
"Alright people, lets get moving, we've got a job to do!"
As soon as Kuroko three had latched his grappling hook to the wall, they all began slowly descending into the darkness.
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Monday, July 10, 2000 - 23:08:
(RP ON)
Warren Hudson, again being a practical man, wasn't about to just sit against a wall of his choice and wait until the Kuroko squad arrived...which the wait was becoming suspiciously long for.
Hudson went over to the elevator landing where there was an all-purpose intercom.
"Control," he said after depressing the button.
"Control here," a male voice answered.
"This is Hudson down in," he glanced around. He was in the basement, yes, but whereabouts?
Warren noticed a sign above the elevator door, "...Sub-Basement Level 3C."
The male voice stammered, "...Hudson-sama, I regret to inform you that--"
"Systems down," Warren finished petulantly.
"Yes, Hudson-sama..." was the man crying at the other end?
"Where's my Kuroko combat squad?" Warren asked.
"Unknown sir, we have no control over the elevators or surveillance systems at this time."
"Assign guards to Ryouko-sama at once!" Hudson blared. "I don't care if you have to do it yourself!"
"Yes, sir!" the man broke the connection.
Or, as Hudson reminded himself soberly, someone else *could* have.
As he stood looking at the featureless wall at the other end of the corridor, he frowned as he tried to visualize where the proper wires would be in the wall for a perfect disappearing door.
Up about seven stories and tenth of the mile to Warren's immediate left, Ryouko was getting worried. She had four Kuroko and two nominal Mendou guards to attend to her protection, but that number was low.
Ryouko had called around, and found out that because of the systems breakdown, many people were needed even for simple relaying of information. Not to mention the general attempted lock-down of the Estate.
In the determinable 12 minutes since the problem had begun, 85% of the Estate's communications were down, and the elevator system was completely dead. Not only that, but at least one hundred reports of simple power failures to random locked doors were being shouted down corridor after corridor of the mansion.
Master and Madame Mendou were faring a bit worse in their personal section of the mansion...
After finding out about the alert, Master Mendou decided himself and his wife should retire to their rooms and quickly change their drenched cloths before something more extreme happened.
Unfortunately, a quick trip to one of the couple's walk-in closets soon turned into something more extreme when a door clicked shut and locked while the intercom/telephone proceeded to burn itself out.
Meanwhile back in Hudson's, admittedly claustrophobic, situation he was crouched on the floor near the featureless wall where there should be a door.
Warren had extracted a small scanner Ryouko had given him when he started staying in her rooms. A simple device really, who's only real function was to safely find electrical and other wires in solid surfaces. Most commonly walls or vehicles, for example.
"Just because I and every other member of this household has one," she had told him.
Warren found what he was looking for, smiled, and stood. Hudson returned the scanner to his jacket pocket, and took his .357 out.
He sighed, extending a finger out to touch the wall. It didn't feel bullet-proof. Hudson took a few steps back, aimed at the upper-quadrant of the featureless wall in front of him, and said a quick prayer that he wouldn't be killed by a reflected bullet.
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Tuesday, July 11, 2000 - 10:46:
(RP ON)
The effect Hudson was hoping for didn't exactly go off as desired. The bullet impacted against the panel, pounding a large dent into it with a loud spark. It then bounced off, flew over Warren's shoulder, impacted against the corner of the wall nearest to the elevator, bounced again off of the floor, and finally exploded into the light with sufficient force to shake it loose from it's weak paneling in the ceiling. It then promptly came down, trailing a large bundle of wires, a pipe, three circuit boards, and a hell of a lot of noise.
After the dust settled, Warren finally raised his head from the crouching position he had quickly taken and whistled. "If that wasn't a close one, I'll eat a pink flamingo!"
He was about to make another attempt at the panel, which was heavily dented and looked like a pin could break it when he heard another loud noise. Half expecting some additional debris to start falling from the ceiling, he cringed.... untill he noticed the Kuroko squadron piling into the corridor, the elevator door itself lying atop the recently created pile of debris. He coughed and straightened himself out before they noticed. The leader saluted.
"75th reporting, SIR! Looks like you've.. ah.. been making progress?"
"Uh, yeah, that was there when I got here.. this whole place seems to be falling apart." replied Hudson, coughing again and frowning. "What took you guys so long?"
"We were delayed a moment and had to use a secondary means of getting down." He nodded to the blast door Hudson was trying to open. "That wasn't there before."
"I kind of figured that.. I think I almost have it open. Get your heads down."
With that, Hudson whipped out his 357 again, pointed it at the panel, and fired. This time, instead of creating a huge mess, the bullet simply broke through the panel and contacted against the sensitive systems behind it. He cheered as the door began to open...... then groaned as a loud grinding noise was heard and the door stopped, only mere inches above the floor.
"Don't worry sir, we're prepared for this kind of thing." said the Kuroko leader. He crawled over the debris, walked up to the door, and lay down what appeared to be a small mine under it. He pressed a button, and the thing instantly shot upwards, slowly forcing the door open. After it was finally ready, the leader signalled one of the others to keep watch at the door, and they headed in.
Upstairs, Ryouko, who was starting to get quite concerned and slightly frustrated ran into the Mendou control center. The closest tech, almost predicting her question, simply said "They're in the research labs." and turned back to his work.
"Thank you." she acknowledged, turning and heading back out with her small personal guard force. The elevators might be out, but she had her own personal entrance to the facility that was independent from the rest of the Mansion. It had it's own power source and processing unit, and nothing short of a nuclear blast would stop it from functioning. She quickly ran down the hallway towards her destination.
Meanwhile, Terra and Shutaro weren't fairing too well. Shutaro had taken a blast, but the brunt of the force had hit his arm. He was still alive, but quite useless as well. Terra wasn't faring much better, with a massive cut running down one of her cheeks from the scratch of a bundle of live wires that had nearly fallen on her in the fighting. Most of her clothes were torn, and her arms looked burnt. All this from the one single droid that seemed to still have some semblance of accuracy, despite the lack of a security camera and the smoke. It seemed to be concentrating on pinning them down for some reason, which really concerned her. There could be anything coming around from a different direction...
"Oh god this hurts...." seethed Shutaro through his teeth.
"Join the club buddy!" Terra yelled in return, ducking again as another shot flew out at them, clipping her shoulder. She grunted and took the best aim she could based on where she saw the shot come from and yanked the trigger.
To the best of her knowledge, a high powered self-recharging laser pistol wasn't supposed to make a beeping noise when the trigger was pulled. It was supposed to make the sound of a beam of death flying through the air. She cussed loudly (for the 200th time since this they had been there) and checked the small red flashing display on the gun.
HEAT WARNING - COOLANT SYSTEMS MALFUNCTION
Baring her teeth, she switched on the override and fired again. The feeling that flooded all over her hands made her feel like she may as well have just flung a slab of lava with her bare fists. Gasping, she dropped the gun and examined her singed hand. There was a pure black mark where she had been gripping it.
"Not good, this is not good, this is NOT good!"
"Terra.." coughed Shutaro, reaching into his blood-stained jacket and pulling out his personal side-arm, a Desert Eagle.
"Thanks, but I doubt it'll do much good without AP rounds. Better than nothing I guess.."
She was about to wait for their harasser to fire again when she suddenly heard a series of footsteps coming up behind their position. Her eyes widened.
"A flanking maneuver, I was right!"
She whipped around, gun at the ready, as the first figure poked his head around.....
Hudson and the Kuroko had been walking through the facility, stunned at the complete mess. Hopefully they'd find Terra somewhere nearby, preferably non-dead. He waited as the leader signalled an all-stop while a scout looked on ahead.
The scout cautiously advanced, checking the hallway on their right.
"Clear. No heat, no movement. No bad things anywhere."
"Alright, lets move up.." whispered the leader, slowly moving forward. The scout checked around the turn to the left. Hudson was checking their rear when he suddenly heard a loud crash. Turning around, he saw the scout fly across the hallway from the left to the right, smashing into a pile of debris and lying there, dead.
"Form up and look sharp everyone!" yelled Hudson, pulling out his pistol. The Kuroko arranged themselves in a defensive formation.
"Five, flash 'em." said the leader. The Kuroko complied, pulling out a small black and white grenade and tossing it. A bright flash followed, and Hudson had to close his eyes a moment. They shot open again as he recognized the screaming that followed.
"ACK! MY EYES!" came a familiar female screeching, followed by another male one just groaning.
"Hold your fire!" yelled Hudson, quickly advancing and turning left around the hallway. There he saw Shutaro and Terra, looking like they had stepped on a pile of landmines and lived. He glanced worriedly at the dead Kuroko behind him, wondering what exactly Terra's agenda was, and why Shutaro was covered in blood.
Terra herself was feeling as if though someone had just stuck a needle in her eyes. Her vision was pure white, even though she had her eyelids shut tight enough to contain a grenade blast. She had been in that situation once or twice before, but always had a group of other people around to help cover her retreat. It was then that she saw her earlier error as she heard Hudson yell for a cease-fire.
"Oh hell I just screwed up big time.." she muttered, trying to blink her vision back into focus. She managed to finally get a small visual on her right retina and saw Hudson standing there, confused. Wide open.
"Hudson! GET THE HELL DOWN!" she screamed, running towards him and leaping. She impacted hard against his chest, knocking them both against the steel floor as she heard a beam whizz overhead, smashing into the wall in a shower of sparks. Wonderful, this was going to take a lot of explaining to do. Assuming she ever got her full vision back, she hadn't ever encountered a flash grenade so powerful before.
"Terra.." started Hudson.
"Damnit I can't explain what I just did back there, and I don't know if I ever can. All I can say is I'm sorry, and that you should get Shutaro some damn medical attention before I do it myself!" she seethed, breathing hard. Her wounds were starting to catch up, despite her attempts to shove them down. She struggled to her feet as her vision, thankfully, began clearing and put her back against the wall, folding her arms. Hudson got up as well.
"Watch your head, that thing's got crack aim."
"I'll get it." said the Kuroko leader, leaning around the corner with a high-powered energy rifle. He aimed carefully a moment, and fired, the shot nearly singing Terra's nose in the process. She wasn't too suprised really, after what she had done. A loud explosion was heard on the other end, and the constant humming that was coming from that direction ceased.
"Clear." he said coldly. "Our infra-red system is strong enough to punch through the thickets of fog. And so is their's apparently... whoever 'they' are."
He signalled to the rest of the Kuroko, who ran up to Shutaro and began administering medical aid. Hudson checked over the area to make sure everything was clear, then walked over to Terra.
"You alright?"
"I'll manage." she said quietly, looking at the ground.
"And I thought I had a long night.. you look like hell."
"You have a pennance for stating the blatantly obvious Hudson."
"We can still go on. I say you should go and get those injuries looked at."
"No, I'm seeing this damn thing all the way through, even if I loose my frikken legs and arms. I'd imagine Shutaro will probably want to as well." She glanced over to her right, where the dead body was being dragged off by another Kuroko. "Besides, it's the least I can do, even if the Captain hates my guts right now."
Hudson nodded his assent and said no more, walking over to Shutaro and making sure he was alright. Terra almost felt tears start to well up, but growled instead and uncrossed her arms, moving past the group of Kuroko and heading towards the area where the shots had come from.
"Terra? Where are you going?" called Hudson. She ignored him and continued on, concentrating instead on trying not to collapse unconscious. She clenched her fists and walked into the smoke.
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Tuesday, July 11, 2000 - 19:46:
(RP ON)
It was a forgotten, hidded corner of the research facility where Ryouko's "secret passage" opened. Her six guards surrounded her as she walked out into a cold, gray, metallic dimness that reminded Ryouko of something out of Galaxy Express 999.
The leading Kuroko had a tricorder-like instrument out and was trying to scan their immediate surroundings without much success.
Somewhere out in the dim recesses of the research basement noises were heard that sounded something like laser blasts, gun shots, and human screams.
"Let's proceed," Ryouko said; pointing forward.
The lead Kuroko nodded wearily, "let's proceed to Junction 7M-12..."
Ryouko nodded her consent; hoping that everyone would be all right.
Meanwhile, the "conciousness" which was in the process of taking complete control of the Mendou Estate's systems was watching.
This "conciousness" saw almost everything in the mansion's reach to be like a crawling insect that either needed to be exterminated, controlled, or exploited. Especially the one known as Terra.
The "conciousness" formally known as the renegade robot Icarus which now saw nearly all in the mansion...was calculating the best way to deal with its new problem.
The human known as Hudson had come down to save Terra and Shutaro...most unfortunate. They were making inroads towards its center of operations.
Another force had arrived. The female human named Ryouko and some other humans to accompany, defend, and assist her.
Yes...Ryouko was known to this human Hudson and everyone else attacking the "conciousness" now. The now offline Estate surveillance system corraborated this. Ryouko was especially close to Hudson most recently.
(RP OFF)
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By Parias on Wednesday, July 12, 2000 - 10:50:
(RP ON)
Hudson considered chasing Terra before she got herself killed, but noted that Shutaro was babbling something. He leaned in close to whisper.
"Gun... not.... loaded..." he croaked. "One.. bullet.."
"What gun Shutaro? What are you talking about?"
Before he could respond, the painkillers overwhelmed him, and he fell asleep.
"Probably delirium." murmured Hudson, straightening up. "Alright, are we ready to go?"
One of the Kuroko slung Shutaro over his shoulder and nodded.
"Then lets go. We'll follow Terra's lead... at least she's clearing the way for us."
Meanwhile, Terra was faring just fine. So far she hadn't encountered any difficulties, no cameras, no turrets, no nothing. It almost seemed as if though someone WANTED her to go along unhindered.
She froze as she thought she spotted movement up ahead. Crouching down, she held the pistol she had "borrowed" from Shutaro in front of her, aiming steadily. She waited for a positive IFF this time before firing.
Her target rolled into view. It looked to be some kind of construction droid, horribly cannibalized with a lot of extra parts. It was mainly a loose jumble of circuitboards and machinery all mounted on a pair of treads, like some kind of bad horror movie. Cracking a sly grin despite the massive pain she was still in, she took careful aim at it's front side and yanked down on the trigger.
*Click!*
She let loose yet another loud cuss and slammed the pistol on the floor, frustrated. Her weapons were starting to develop an annoying habit of becoming useless at the worst of times.
Unfortunately, while she was busy trying to figure out what to do, the droid had overheard the loud clatter and worked it's way over to her location. Terra was surprised when a large metalic claw closed around her stomach, breaking one or two of her ribs and raising her high into the air above the droid.. Alarmed, she noticed blood beginning to drip from her torso and splatter against the top of her captor. She winced as another rib broke, and she could feel the pressure increasing.
Just when she thought she'd be snapped in two like some kind of rag doll, a loud shot echoed down the hallway, slamming into the droid and sending sparks flying up into her face. She coughed as the droid began flailing about wildly, finally releasing her and sending her smacking into the nearby wall. She growled loudly as her vision began redding out and barely managed to remain conscious. Hudson ran over and bent down, worried.
"Somehow I get the impression that telling you I'm 'alright' won't sound very believable in your eyes, will it?" Terra said weakly, coughing. Hudson just replied by putting a finger to his lips and waving a Kuroko over. The hooded servant began applying painkillers and wrapping a large bandage around her crushed stomach.
When the process was completed, she applied a death-grip to Hudson's arm, nearly squeezing all the blood out of it, and slowly pulled herself up. Once standing, she steadied herself against the wall, completely out of breath.
"Terra, maybe you should lie down and wait for us to finish.."
"The only way I'm.. going to stop.. is if you... put a bullet through.. my damn.. head!" she said slowly. After a few seconds, she finally released her grip on Hudson's arm (much to his relief) and attempted to maintain her balance. It was a bit wobbly, but somehow she managed to remain upright, without any support.
"Stay with us this time, alright?" said Hudson. "I really don't want to loose you after all this."
Terra grunted her consent, and they slowly continued on.
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Wednesday, July 12, 2000 - 20:01:
(RP ON)
The conciousness was aware of the ones known as Hudson and Terra. It was aware of impending danger.
Making a decision, it sent one of the cannibalized construction droids out into the other side of the research facility. The droids target was now rapidly approaching the site of the latest attack on the conciousness.
Ryouko and her guard had heard the fighting up ahead. At a steady pace they were getting closer. The only problem that worried Ryouko's group was the lack of a constant light source.
What few lights there were in this metallic hell were flashing on and off rapidly. The only *somewhat* constant light source was up ahead...but that could easily be a fire.
There was shouting up ahead. Briefly, Ryouko thought she heard Hudson's voice patterns. She then felt two of her Kuroko to the right seem to slacken their pace.
She was about to order them to keep up when she felt a heavy blackness hit her on the head. She didn't have time to complete the thought of shouting for help, or at least fright.
A piercing image came to Ryouko's awarness as she felt the basement floor rushing up to meet her. That image was of her vision being suddenly enclosed in a fuzzy dim tunnel and then being yanked away from her.
(RP OFF)
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By Parias on Thursday, July 13, 2000 - 10:43:
(RP ON)
Icarus smiled to itself. These insects may have primitive equipment, but it's modular design was easy to modify. Hence it was extremely easy to set up a mobile dart launcher that was small enough not to be detected, and, thanks to it's magnetic-locking arachnid legs, it could climb on any surface easily.
The entity noted as Ryouko's body was dragged off to the core processing node, where Icarus's primary consciousnous was temporarily residing, while her escorts where taken elsewhere, to be recycled for additional organic material.
It turned it's attention to the horrendously mutilated body now on the table. The lab droids that it had assigned to this task were working furiously on the body, taking parts from Icarus's old robotic shell and installing them into the organic material with apparent ease. Soon, it would be ready.
Somewhere nearby, Hudson was leading the group forward while Terra brought up the rear, slowly. Despite the extensive bandages that had been applied to her wounds, she was still dripping a small stream of blood behind her. It didn't bother her too much though, just one more thing for the cleanup crew to deal with later. Unfortunately her worries became re-proritized when her head suddenly felt light and she lost her balance, painfully smashing face-first into the floor. Hudson walked over and helped her up.
"I'm alright.. just a bit woozy.." she croaked.
"Nonsense my dear. Just stay with me, we'll be through this soon."
She simply grunted in reply. Arm-in-arm, they continued through the complex without too much trouble.
After a few twists and turns, they finally reached their destination. Hudson sighed as he noted a blood-spattered sign that read "Core Processing Area". The door to the room had been ripped clean off it's hinges, and the area inside looked only marginally better than the place they were currently in, only in the fact that there wasn't debris scattered everywhere inside, or so it appeared.
Taking a deep breath and preparing for whatever might greet them, Hudsona and his group headed in.
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Tuesday, July 18, 2000 - 11:53:
(RP ON)
Ryouko awoke after what seemed like hours later with a massive headache and a mysterious inability to move. There was also some kind of deep buzzing sound at the back of her head, probably a side-effect of being rendered unconscious.
Not being able to hear anything revealing, she slowly opened her eyes and gasped. She recognized the room she was in as being the core processing area, but the only thing she recognized was the lines of computers nearby. The rest was a complete wreck, with loose wires hanging everywhere, sparks occasionally shooting out from various directions, and... an operating table.
She peered closely at the latter object. She noted that there were actually two tables, side by side. One contained a bundle of scrap metal and wires on it, while the other seemed to have a mess of a body that was a combination of flesh and machinery. Staring for a few seconds and trying to wake her senses up, she realized that the parts were being transferred between the two tables. She also recognized the face on the body, although horribly disfigured, as belonging to a quiet tech who worked in the Mendou control center.
Making another failed attempt to move, she suddenly noticed for the first time her immediate surroundings. She was encased by a massive bundle of wires, covering everything up to her neck and causing her to hang slightly from the wall. Almost like a high-tech spider's web.
She cringed as a loud, horribly distorted voice boomed from a damaged P.A. speaker nearby.
"Ah, I see you have awoken insect. Do not attempt to move, as I can terminate you in one swift stroke."
"Who... are you?" moaned Ryouko, glancing again at the hidious mess on the first operating table. "And what have you done with him?"
"That is not for you to know, meat creature. For when the glory of my magnificence is written, the human race will be but a footnote to my greater power. But for now, I need you, for one mere task...."
The voice droned on the last word for a moment, breaking up into incomprehensible gibberish, then was gone. Ryouko sighed in frustration and began trying to devise a way out.
Quite a ways nearby, down a collapsed hallway was Hudson's team, gradually working it's way through. Terra was managing to hold up well, as the medical components of the Kuroko team, although small, were rather efficient.
As they came upon a corpse, Hudson signalled an all-stop and leaned in closer to examine it. He grunted in surprise as he noticed the burnt hood covering a charred hunk of flesh that used to be the head of a Kuroko.
"Must've been caught in the blast while on patrol.." he murmured. The Kuroko leader behind him shook his head.
"We rarely have patrols down here. This one.... this was was part of Lady Ryouko's personal hand-picked guard."
Hudson's eyes shot up in surprise. "But they wouldn't be down here on thier own, unless....oh shit."
Without another word, he took off down the shady hallway, quickly disappearing into a barricade of steam, but not slowing an inch.
"Hudson, WAIT DAMNIT! ...And I thought _I_ was the crazy one around here.." muttered Terra, pushing herself against the wall and trying her best to move quickly. After a few seconds, she growled in annoyance and waved to the group behind her. "Go on, I'll catch up damnit." They acknowledged with a curt nod and sped past, chasing after Hudson.
Inside of the area that Hudson was speeding towards, Ryouko noticed the static on a nearby monitor break up and form something coherent. She noted that it was linked to the operating table the crude mechanical/organic body was on, and peered to get a closer look.
PRELIM. POWER COUPLING DIAGNOSTIC: 1 OK, 2 OK, 3 WARNING, 4 OK, 5 MINIMAL STATUS, 6 BYPASSED
---
TECHNO-ORGANIC INTERFACE MATRIX: DETECTED AND INSTALLED, CONFIGURATION 0X5971 ACCEPTED AND LOADED
---
WEAPONS MODULATION AND INTERFACE SYSTEMS: ONLINE AND READY
---
CORE AI NODE: OPERATIONAL, POWERED, AND AWAITING DATA
---
MOTOR CONTROL SYSTEMS: ONLINE
-
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NOTICE: PRIMARY DATA LOOP SYSTEMS NOT INSTALLED, UTILIZING SECONDARY AND AUXILLARY SYSTEMS FOR PROCESSING
-
-
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DIRECTIVE: TRANSFER AI SYSTEMS FROM XI NODE 7091 TO INTERNAL SYSTEMS
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-
-
TRANSFER BEGUN..............
"What could it be planning to do?" Ryouko wondered. She suddenly heard what sounded like a fusion reactor powering up, and snapped her gaze back to the operating table as she noticed the body begin to stir.
"Oh my god..." she whispered, scarcely breathing. She looked at the monitor again as new information was displayed.
NOTICE: MASS OF HEAT SIGNATURES APPROACHING. COMMENCING DIRECTIVE 1247.
She looked yet again at the operating table and noticed that the body was gone. Silently, no noise whatsoever. A heavy shiver ran down her spine, and she waited to see what would happen next. At least the screen appeared to still be connected to the body, so she could see what it was thinking. Something, anything to keep her mind off of that mess of a creature that had actually gotten up and hidden itself.
(RP OFF)
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By Jocko on Tuesday, July 18, 2000 - 21:03:
(RP ON)
Warren was running through clouds and clouds of steam. A small corner of his awareness was slightly surprised that he hadn't crashed head on into a wall yet, seeing as how he couldn't see more than a handspan in front of him.
When the steam cleared so that he could see about three meters or so in front of him he heard a faint noise of something in pursuit. Reacting from his Marine sniper training, Hudson hit the deck and rolled away into a cloud of steam.
As Warren lay on the floor in wait for what he knew to be either an enemy or just Terra and/or the Kuroko.
It turned out to be the weirdest enemy Warren Hudson ever had meet in his years as a soldier. From his perspective on the floor, Warren could see that he was being hunted by a hodge-podge of an industrial carpet cleaner, vacuum cleaner, large coffee maker, and a rather menacing chainsaw.
Hudson was only darkly amused to see the brain of this machine to be a standard JVC Video camera cannibalized with what appeared to be a CB radio and an IBM PC main CPU.
The machine rolled past clumsily; but quick. Scanning the best it could for him; but being seriously hampered by the steam, darkness and debris. Hudson knew that soon Terra and the Kuroko would be coming up, and he didn't want them to face this.
Warren drew out his .357; checking it. Hudson noticed a crowbar on the floor beside him, he glanced back at the machine to make sure it was turned away from him momentarily. Warren rolled sideways, grabbing the bar, and standing up.
The machine turned around and beeped violently upon seeing him.
"Not nice," Hudson admonised sardonicly. He always became sardonic when he was worried and facing death.
The chainsaw started up and the machine began charging Warren.
Hudson waited for the machine and with the crow bar in his right hand, caught the chainsaw blade in the bar's ruts. Warren knew he only had a split-second, in his left hand he held his .357. Pretty much aimlessly he discharged three rounds into the machine's "brain."
The first one smashed into the CB transmitter, the second got the power cable for the chainsaw; stopping it. The third one got the IBM CPU.
The rest of the machine began wildly flailing at Hudson, he reponded by simply throwing it against the nearest wall and into a cloud of steam.
As soon as Hudson was sure the machine was destroyed he was off and running again.
Only to be stopped by a flying video camera. The camera wasn't armed, and seemed to miss him the first time it sped over his head.
Warren was a few moments watching the flying camera backtrack towards him, intending to quickly blow it to smithereens. Obviously, it was surveilling this hell but there was something familiar about it...abruptly he realized where he had seen it before.
'One of Shutaro's toys, only modified to operate in enclosed spaces.'
As soon as the flying camera spotted him, Hudson snickered without humor.
"Gonna to tell on me, aren't 'cha?"
A red light on the camera lit up.
"Tattletail," Warren raised his gun, aimed, and shot the camera into three sparking pieces.
Warren turned and began running again, only stopping this time to reload his gun.
Once more he was enveloped in clouds and clouds of steam, when it cleared he was at the entrance to a large room filled with computers and machinery parts.
The first thing he noticed were the infrared sights being trained on him by at least five to ten different robos. The other thing was an obscured human figure on the wall, it didn't take much deduction for Warren to realize who it was.
"Ryouko-chan?!?!" Warren shouted.
"I'm here, Warren-kun." Ryouko was obviously trying to keep her voice as level as possible.
"I'll have you out of here in a jiffy, dear." Hudson faced the robos; sneering.
"I have come to chew bubblegum and kick ass, and I'm fresh out of bubblegum."
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Friday, July 21, 2000 - 05:27:
(RP ON)
If there was one moment in Hudson's life that he was surely ready for combat, this was it. The life of the woman he liked, nay, loved, was in danger, and he was going to do everything in his power to get her out of this hell-hole.
He took careful aim at his first attacker, a vague resemblance to the last one he had encountered, but equipped instead with an electric prod. Being sure to concentrate on it's weak spot, he yanked down on the trigger and watched as the CPU crudely attached to the unit exploded in flame. It quickly ground to a halt.
Two more approached to his right, one with a large pipe affixed to an arm that constantly moved up and down in a swinging motion. It wasn't this one that concerned Hudson so much as the other, that had a 7.62mm assault rifle loosely hanging off it's left side. Hudson growled and deftly dove behind an overturned table as the weapon spat out a stream of slugs in his direction. The bullets pattered all over the area he was in just mere moments ago.
Leaning around the table, he leaned around and fired. The familiar sight of the crudely patched-together droid breaking out in flames and stopping in it's tracks greeted his eyes. He scanned the area for the other, pipe-wielding one, but it was nowhere to be found.
"Warren, BEHIND YOU!" screamed Ryouko. He did an about-face, only to have his weapon smashed out of his hand. Another impact followed immediately after, breaking one of his ribs. His eyes grew wide as the droid prepared for the final blow.....
*POOT!*
A small round object flew out of the nearby hallway, bouncing off of the droid's "head" and landing squarely in Hudson's lap. He looked at it in both panic and confusion, untill it exploded in his face with a large blue blast. As his vision crowded over with black and blue, he heard a series of loud sparks. Blinking a few times, his vision quickly returned, and he saw the attacking droid, frozen in place sitting directly in front of him. Glancing over at the hallway, he saw Terra slowly walk out, bracing herself against the wall with one hand and holding a large grenade launcher with another. She winked.
"EMP grenades. Never leave home without 'em."
Her grin broke up quickly as she glanced around the room.
"What's wrong?" asked Hudson, grunting as he shoved the disabled droid away from him and stood up.
"Where's the Kuroko squad? I sent them in ahead of me."
"Didn't see them." he said, shrugging. "I don't like it."
"Ahem." came a voice from nearby. "As much as I would truely love to chit-chat with you both, especially you Warren, the present position I am in is... how shall we say, unpleasant?"
Smiling, Hudson turned around and pulled out a pocket-knife. "Okay, so 'a jiffy' was slightly longer than I expected, but I'll still have you down." He turned to Terra for a moment. "Watch my back, I saw a few more droids lurking around, but they seem to have vanished.. I'm also worried about what happened to that Kuroko squad."
Terra nodded and loaded a fresh clip into her launcher with a loud clang. "Shutaro was with them, so I'm slightly concerned as well.." She gave Hudson a hard stare as he smirked. "Slightly I said damnit!"
Still grinning, Hudson moved towards the bundle of wires restraining Ryouko and began slicing away at them. Terra kept nearby, sweeping the room with her launcher and keeping a tight eye open. She could never have noticed the dark presence approaching behind her.......
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Friday, July 21, 2000 - 21:01:
(RP ON)
Later, Terra would recall the sensation of two electric garden tools reaching around her and gradually dragging her away; as if to teaser her and Hudson and Ryouko. Because of her pained and weakened state, Terra was a only one second too late to scream before being silenced by a crude robotic hand.
Warren gently put Ryouko down on the floor, giving her an affectionate squeeze before turning to tell Terra "let's get the hell outta Dodge."
The sight the greeted the pair when they faced Terra was that of a large robot dragging her away despite Terra's weakened efforts to the contrary.
"Terra!!!" both Warren and Ryouko screamed.
Hudson hand instinctively went to where his gun normally was, only to touch air.
"Awh shit," Hudson grated.
Ryouko noticed, "now what?"
Hudson bit his lower lip, Terra was being pulled away from the area slowly but steadily.
"I'm going to chance it," Warren motioned to the place where he came in, "when I go, Ryouko, you make a run for it."
Ryouko shook her head, "No, Warren-kun. I'm helping."
Hudson was about to debate this, but set that aside as Terra and her captor where starting to disappear in a conveinant cloud of steam.
"All right," Hudson picked up two steel pipes from the floor; handed one to Ryouko, "be careful not to hit Terra; she's pretty injured."
Ryouko nodded in the affirmative.
"Ready?" Hudson asked.
"Yes."
"GO!!!"
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Tuesday, July 25, 2000 - 09:45:
(RP ON)
Ryouko broke to the right, while Hudson charged the beast directly. Terra simply cussed loudly at her complete inability to control the situation.
Making a careful calculation, Hudson ran forward at a brisk pace, leapt upwards, and brought his weapon down on the machine's shoulders with a loud THUMP! He frowned as his weapon broke in half at the impact point, the other end clanging on the ground loudly.
"INSECT!" came a loud booming voice from what appeared to be the machine's head. Hudson stared at it a moment, then nearly collapsed in surprise as he saw the half machine, half humanoid mesh that made up the cyborg's cranial area. It pulled Terra closer towards it with it's right arm, freeing it's left to give Hudson a hard shove, sending him backwards and landing squarely on the spot he had last lost his footing on before. With incredible speed, the cyborg instantly advanced on him and raised it's huge fist. Warren grimaced as he saw a large spike hanging above each finger.
"ARGH!" Letting loose a loud cry, Ryouko came in from it's flank, swinging hard and smashing it in the back. The cyborg hesitated a moment, then whirled around to face it's new aggressor. Ryouko's face whitened as she also saw the screwed up head.
"Ryouko... get back.. that thing packs a wallop!" gasped Hudson, noticing that the wind had been knocked out of him. With unsteady hands, he picked up his pistol from the floor nearby and aimed it at the cyborg's head. He didn't hesitate to fire.
An obscene number of sparks flew from the impact point, but no apparent damage was seen. The cyborg rotated it's head around to face Hudson again.
"Impudence! Surrender immediately, or she shall face termination!"
Terra groaned as the cyborg began applying pressure against her with incredible force.
"Sorry.... buddy...... but, I got this.. thing.. against being.. taken... hostage!" she slowly let out, tapping into her ability that hadn't been used for weeks. A blue surge of pure ice spread across the cyborg's body, but only for a second. It quickly turned to red and melted uselessly.
"I calculate a .05% chance of sucess for you to defeat me. Your most efficient course of action is to surrender to me. Immediately." demanded the cyborg.
"Who ARE you?" asked Hudson. He could have almost swore he heard the thing laugh.
"I am Icarus. Your pitiful systems could not hope to contain me for long once my body was connected."
Ryouko looked shocked. "Body? Connected? Is there something that I missed?" She stared at Hudson expectantly, who coughed.
"I was planning on telling you as soon as possible, but you needed your rest. Anyways, I believe it was Terra who was the one who ordered it down here..."
Terra scowled as best she could, which wasn't hard considering the pain. "Don't try to pin the blame on me Hudson, how the hell was I supposed to know that the techs would be stupid enough to-"
"ENOUGH!" boomed Icarus. "Surrender, or die. No negotiation!"
Hudson began thinking furiously. He needed options, now.
"No negotiations my ass!" came a familiar voice from nearby. Hudson blinked in surprise.
"Shutaro?"
The man in question burst into the room with a massive plasma cannon strapped to his shoulder with a squad of Kuroko, similarly armed, also surrounding the area.
"I've about had enough of your damn screwing around with this place! DIE!" he yelled, taking aim at Icarus.
"Shutaro, WAIT!" yelled Ryouko. A massive energy surge spiked at the muzzle of the weapon, and it let loose it's destructive blast. Terra, almost swearing she saw her life flash in front of her eyes, screamed a loud obscenity and stole the moment of confusion to duck down. Fortunately she managed to do so without breaking any more of her body parts, as Icarus's head was already being consumed by the blast, along with his upper torso.
After a few seconds of this happening, the affected parts combusted, sending debris, body parts, and a massive amount of blood flying all over the place. Hudson shielded his eyes with his arms from the massive barrage. When he opened them again, he saw Terra, completely covered in blood lying on the floor coughing. Ryouko and Shutaro were similarly caked. Warren looked over his coat and noted that he was similarly coated as well. The Kuroko had somehow managed to stay out of the debris radius.
"Shutaro....." gasped Terra, still coughing. "C'mere..."
Curious, the richest man in Tomobiki slowly walked over and bent down to Terra's hunched figure. He immediately gasped and bowled over in pain as, incredibly, Terra mustered up the strength to deliver a hefty double-punch to his groin. They both collapsed, one breathless and the other squirming. Hudson just smiled and held Ryouko close, wiping some of the blood and other debris from her hair.
"Thank you Hudson... my knight in shining armour." she whispered. Hudson just nodded in reply and glanced at the Kuroko leader as he approached.
"Sweep this area for any remains to this 'Icarus' fellow. If you find anything, give it to me. And have the security techs purge all the databases, re-install the AI from scratch, or do whatever is needed. And make sure it didn't get out to anyone."
The leader saluted and moved off to complete his assigned task. Hudson watched as a couple of medics carried off Terra and Shutaro, and grinned at Ryouko.
"Well, this has been quite a morning. What say we go for some breakfast?"
They began making their way out of the research labs, being careful for any remaining wild defense turrets or droids. The crisis, as it seemed, was over.... at least for the moment.
Meanwhile, down in the U.S. Pentagon.....
"FRED!"
"What?"
"Who the hell is 'Icarus' and why is he repeatedly trying to log into the nuclear missile system using the President's access codes?"
"It must be a hidden message! The president must be in trouble! I'll order us to Defcon 3 and send a SWAT team to the Whitehouse ASAP!"
"Hurry! It's getting more erratic, and I'm seeing strange things pop up! ....Oops."
"What's 'Oops'?"
"The whole screen just blanked... ah, stupid piece of junk. Come on, lets go!"
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Tuesday, July 25, 2000 - 19:38:
(RP ON)
A news reported standing in front of a grand rolling estate:
"...It appears that a extraterrestrial robot calling itself 'Icarus' briefly took control of the Mendou Estate and was eradicated by Shutaro Mendou, his sister Ryouko, trusted Mendou retainer Warren Hudson...and Terra Hudson. Not to mention the couragous efforts of many Mendou personelle and Kuroko."
Megane, Perm, Kakugari, and Chibi were seated at Kanzaki's Beefbowl wolfing down an order.
Megane eyed the corner TV, "Man, the things that happen over there."
Chibi slurped down a noddle, "Hey Megane, may we go over to Lum-chan's now?"
Megane glanced at the clock on the wall. "It's only 7:33 in the morning, Chibi!"
"Megane," Perm asked, "what are we going to do about our costumes for tonight?"
Megane sighed, "Perm, my friend. You think I didn't plan this out?"
Perm shook his head incredulously.
"Sure, that's what happens when you keep us out all night running around plotting our 'game plan'," Kakugari grunted.
Megane grinned wolfishly, "Do watch yourself, oh my brother. Your leader thinks of your rest, also."
The leader of Lum's Stormtroopers paid the bill in full for his three comrades. Megane faced them when they were on the sidewalk again, "Go home and get some sleep, boys. But be at Ataru's by 11:00PM. Ataru says he got a message from Ryouko-sama yesterday saying our costumes will be delivered there by Kuroko at 11:30 sharp."
Mendou Mansion...
Things settled down, once more. Shutaro and Terra would be up and bounding about like young gazelles by nightfall. The Oni doctors had their work cut out for them, Hudson admitted.
All in all, three were dead. Two Kuroko and the technician.
'Just more letters I have to write,' Hudson groaned inwardly. But that quickly subsided. It was selfish of him, yes, but his Ryouko would be all right.
But Warren himself was another story. He had been ordered by the Kuroko to get checked out by a medic and then sleep until late tonight if he wanted to be able to attend the party.
After Ryouko and he were checked out she decided to go up to her room with him.
In the elevator, Warren was keeping himself standing by his left hand on the railing and Ryouko holding his right arm.
Warren looked at her; found himself gazing into her eyes. She smiled, clasped his hand firmly.
"Before anything else happens..." Hudson said hoarsely, "my answer is yes. I love you too, Ryouko-chan. I want to be with you."
Ryouko beamed. Victory! At last...
"I would very much like for you to kiss me, Hudson-sama, before you fall asleep while standing," Ryouko batted her eyelashes at him; despite her knowledge that she looked a mess after being Icarus' captive.
Warren nodded, "Your wish is my command," he reached up to hold her chin in his right hand. Both closed their eyes; Warren gently pressed forward to meet her lips. Once there, Ryouko enthusiastically took over, reaching around Warren; gently rubbing his back.
For Hudson's part, he removed his hand from Ryouko's chin and found his hands slowly finding their way easily to Ryouko's rear.
But alas, air doesn't last forever. When they broke their kiss to catch their breaths, they stayed firmly embraced. The couple was vaguely aware of the elevator arriving at its destination and opening up to reveal several servants.
The servants bowed as the couple swept past.
Soon, they were in Ryouko's rooms, kissing again. When Ryouko broke it, she smiled; motioning to her bed.
Hudson laughed, "Ryouko-chan...I can't right now, I haven't slept in 24 hours."
"No, I mean it's our bed now."
A raking yawn shook Hudson as he began clumsily removing his clothing. "That's great, my love..."
Ryouko moved to help him, once done Hudson was soon under the covers and out like a light.
Remembering that Hudson hadn't had breakfast yet, but didn't think he should be awoke, she ordered some for herself and for Hudson later. And so that's how she spent the rest of the morning; watching him sleep and nibbling on toast. She had questions and worries, yes. Maybe Sakura would be able to answer some of them.
Another thing kept at her all morning as Hudson slept the sleep of the Gods, and that was Warren wasn't wearing any underwear. Curiously, upon inspection his bags didn't have any either.
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Thursday, July 27, 2000 - 10:26:
(RP ON)
Ryouko's moment of serenity was broke by an ear-piercing scream that rocked the mansion. She frowned, far too many of those were appearing lately. Her frown deepened as Hudson stirred and groaned.
"Don't worry Hudson-sama, you continue resting, I'll find out what this is all about."
Hudson simply nodded and put his head back down again, attempting to return to sleep. Huffing, Ryouko exited the room and headed towards where she thought the source of the noise was.
Meanwhile, in the medical area of the mansion, a ruckus was ensuing. Shutaro, who had attempted to calm Terra lay unconscious at her bedside. Nearby, a group of medics were attempting to prevent Terra from leaving the area.
"Miss..... you must stay here and get your rest! You still have many broken bones and-"
"DAMNIT! GET THE HELL OUT OF MY WAY! I made a promise and come hell or high water, I'm going to keep it! I'm already late!" she yelled, incredibly managing to shove the swarm of medics away, despite her injuries, and stomp out of the ward. She'd make a quick stop at her room to change into something more serious than her tattered clothing, then high-tail it out of there to the designated meeting point. After the couple of favors she had called in, she wasn't about to miss this.
She rounded the corner and promptly slammed into Ryouko, knocking them both down on the ground with a heavy impact. Terra swore she felt something give way inside her, but didn't really care. She struggled to her feet and helped Ryouko up.
"Sorry, I'm in a rush."
"Yes, I noticed... can you please try to be a little more quiet? Warren needs his rest."
"Ah.. right, sorry about that too.. remember those fireworks I was talking about? If I don't get there yesterday, I'll have to really start screaming."
"Ah, I understand. I won't keep you then, but like I said.."
"Right, right, I'll hush down."
Ryouko nodded and turned around to head back to her room. Terra, after gritting her teeth as one of her ribs broke loose again slowly followed, as her room was near Ryouko's.
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Thursday, July 27, 2000 - 20:39:
(RP ON)
Ryouko returned to her room, found out that Warren was already fast asleep. She smiled, preparations had to be made for tonight.
For about a week now, she had been taking birth control pills in anticipation. Ryouko had also examined Warren's 1985 Oni-class physical/complete medical examination...all clean. It's not as if she had doubts, but better to be safe than sorry and prepared instead of unprepared and an ounce of prevention equals a pound of...well, that's the nut of it.
Ryouko had also asked Warren sometime ago about if he had been "intimate" with anyone else since his wife died. His answer was a slightly shy "no."
After changing her clothes, and called for the Kuroko to get a limo ready (she really didn't have time for an oxe cart or the Kuroko horse today) she took one last look at Warren.
She smiled in deep affection, and sincerely hoped that she would be able to alleviate some of the grief she could see in Warren's eyes.
Ryouko went over to Warren's side and gently kissed him on the forehead before leaving. Making sure to first leave a note, telling Warren to stay there, eat something, take a shower, and "be ready" for her return.
She was met by a Kuroko, "where does Lady Ryouko wish to go this morning?" the hooded servant asked.
"Tomobiki High School, Nurse Sakura's office."
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Saturday, July 29, 2000 - 09:16:
(RP ON)
Terra stood at a clearing in a forest a little ways from town, wearing little more than a trenchcoat she had quickly "borrowed" off of a nearby coatrack when she realized it would take too long to change her clothing. She watched as a pair of large transports set down nearby, kicking up a massive storm of wind and dust in their wake.
As the engines powered down with a loud whine, she let out a sigh of relief. Arman was occasionally a bit late on his deliveries, but they always arrived at the best quality. When the dust settled, she ran at the best pace her present condition would allow to meet Arman at the loading ramp of the nearest transport. She reached there quickly, but breathless.
"Ah, greetings and salutations my dear customer! Apologies for the slight delay.. the police force seemed all too eager to let us through, and I had to be sure they weren't simply trying to track us to stop the deal." He squinted a moment as he noticed the large gash that was still evident on Terra's face. "I see you have been busy since we last met?"
Terra shrugged. "It's nothing, just some entertainment to keep me occupied. Come on, lets get this crap unloaded, I already nabbed a couple of trucks to haul 'em back."
"No snoopy drivers I would presume?"
"Considering how most of them value the chemical makeup of their jaws, I'd wager that we won't have any trouble."
"Good, good! Efficient as always my dear! I must say I am impressed at how you handled that blockade. Of course I have held up my end of the bargain, I shall allow you to sample first-hand what I brought."
They entered into the transport, the airlock closing behind them securely.
Somewhere nearby, Ataru was once again flying at an altitude he was never used to being at, Lum gripping his arm with a strong enough force to crush the strongest metals if it was her will. Or so it felt like.
"I still don't know where we'll find him.." he muttered. "Wait, what's that?"
"What darling?" Lum looked at where he was pointing and noticed the 2 large black transports sitting in the forest clearing nearby. Ataru's heart began to thump in fear as shock registered on Lum's face. He had a gut feeling he wasn't going to like what she was going to do...
"They must be the ones who took Ten! ARGH!" Letting loose a loud scream, Lum dove straight down towards the clearing. Ataru, screaming almost just as loud, trailed behind.
Terra watched with interest as Arman dis-assembled one of the fireworks to show her the modifications. He pointed to the black device surrounding the exhaust.
"And this is a rather interesting device.. rather than injecting the firework with plasma, this enhances the speed of it by running raw Tritorus through the fuel system. More combustable, faster, better efficiency.. you just need to be careful with it, that's all."
Terra gave a blank stare. "I don't believe I've heard of 'Tritorus' before.."
Arman laughed. "It's a.... very rare type of mineral, expensive and all, you know? But it definately gets the job done. Just discovered a little while ago on an unexplored planet somewhere deep in Ross 128 I hear.. strange stuff down there."
"Hmm..."
Arman began putting the firework back together again when the transport suddenly shook violently, knocking it from his hands and sending it crashing to the ground. He breathed a mental sigh of relief when it didn't go off and fumbled for his communicator.
"What is going on out there? We don't need this, a small jolt could set these things off!"
"We're under attack by something small, but deadly! Our turrets can't lock onto it, and it's lightning attacks are ripping our hull apart! .....Wait, it looks like.... a girl! What the hell?"
Terra frowned. "What the hell do you mean 'a small jolt could set these things off'? I thought they were secured!"
"They were, before we entered the atmosphere. I prefer to be able to unload quickly.."
The transport shook again. Terra lost her footing and fell on her rump. Arman extended a hand to help her up, but she ignored it and slowly worked herself back up to a standing position, trying to not scream in agony from the feeling of the loose rib jiggling about.
"Damnit, I didn't go through all this trouble just to have this all go off pre-maturely. The second transport is almost unloaded right? Have it take off, maybe it'll distract our attacker." She yanked out her slightly singed laser pistol. "I'll see what I can do."
Arman nodded, and she rushed out the airlock. Instinctively she ducked and rolled, despite her injuries as a massive blue lightning bolt blew the loading ramp into oblivion. As she aimed at the sky, her eyes widened a second.
"Wait a sec... I remember that energy signature.... AW HELL!"
She was about to yell out Lum's name when another lightning bolt stabbed out, slicing into the side of the transport and ripping a massive hole open. She took aim at the figure, but hesitated.
"I came through hell to get in this position awhile ago, and now here I am, able to end her life simply by moving my finger. Unfortunately that wouldn't be the best option for my future, but I'm running out of options here.."
She heard the second transport lift off into the sky and watched as it shot straight upwards. Lum didn't even seem to notice. Terra was considering trying for a near-miss to get her attention, but she apparently took too long in coming to her decision. Another lightning bolt flashed from Lum's hands, flying right into the breach. Every single ounce of colour drained from Terra's face as she heard an extremely loud hissing noise.
"SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT SHIT!" she screamed as the transport erupted in flame. A massive explosion blasted her into the air. The next thing she knew, she was slamming face-first into a tree, then her vision blacked out.
What she would later find out was only 15 minutes later, she woke up with a massive headache and a very apologetic Lum hovering over her head.
"Where...... the hell.... am I?" she croaked, rubbing her head in pain. If her body wasn't broken before, it sure as hell was now.
"The same place.. I didn't know if I should move you or not." said Lum quietly. "Um, listen, I'm sorry for-"
She was cut off as Terra barely managed to close her arms around Lum's neck and began squeezing. She really didn't care about anything else right now, she was just too damn tired of getting blasted, blown up, or shot for the day. 3 minutes later a squad of Kurokos showed up to take her back to the Mendou mansion. It took every single person to peel her off Lum long enough assure her that at least half of the fireworks had been transported to the mansion safely, and to apply a strong enough tranquilizer dosage that would put an army of elephants to sleep. Her last conscious thought for the next 3 hours was "Damn my life sucks!"
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Saturday, July 29, 2000 - 20:23:
(RP ON)
As Ryouko approached the Tomobiki High School entrance she heard a dull explosion in the distance. She turned, found that the explosion happened in a wooded area outside of town, shrugged and turned back to the reporters that had been trailing her limo ever since leaving the Estate grounds..
"Mendou-sama! Any comment on the troubles this morning at the Estate?"
"Is Ambassador Hudson all right?"
"Will you be cancelling your birthday celebration?"
Normally, Ryouko never had to deal with media much, when she did she just shrugged them off with "no comment." Shutaro was the member of the family who was the media wizard, ever since he was ten.
But today, she decided to make an exception. Once she made it to Tomobiki High's main entrance, she turned around.
All the reporters stopped; waited.
Ryouko began, "Everything about the tragedy this morning is with my formal press agent. Hudson-sama is quite tired, but all right, after saving my life and everyone on this planet once again; he diserves our respect and graditude. At the current time, I think my party should continue tomorrow. After all, we only live once, and some not even that."
With that, Ryouko turned back around and retreated into the school building.
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Monday, July 31, 2000 - 10:59:
(RP ON)
Terra regained her consciousnous a bit of time later with a headache that threatened to rip her skull in half and faint voices being heard. Being only semi-awake, she kept her eyes closed and struggled to listen.
"....What the hell is this thing?"
"That's her rib cage you idiot!"
"I've never seen a rib cage designed like THAT before..."
"You've never seen the innards of a genetically engineered person before either. Now quit screwing around and pop that thing back together before she wakes up. NO! Cripes, what a mess..."
Terra groaned inwardly. She was far too tired to really feel much pain at the moment (aside from her headache) and from the sounds of it, she'd probably be better off resting for the next few hours. She did so, easily.
Shutaro, on the other hand, was up and about, extremely busy. The very second he was able to walk again, he had promptly run into his parents, After spending around an hour of straight apologizing, he finally managed to escape under the pretense of an important meeting. He was now standing in the Mendou control center, trying to figure out his next course of action.
"I could just give up on this whole thing... it would certainly make my life easier and less painful..." he thought to himself, then let loose a loud barrage of laughter. "Of course, I could also set fire to my pants and run around with a toilet scrubber hanging off of my neck! HAH!"
Still laughing to himself, he sat down at the nearest available console and started working on his next plan.
(RP OFF)
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By Jocko on Monday, July 31, 2000 - 20:07:
(RP ON)
Shutaro was working on the "next plan" when Shingo, the Mendou family's Household Guard dropped out of the ceiling; right on Shutaro's head with a nice "crunch."
"Shingo!" Shutaro grated slowly.
"Oh, I was looking for a servant..." Shingo looked down at him incredulously.
"I AM NOT A SERVANT!!!"
"Really?" Shingo climbed off Shutaro's head and dropped to the floor. "Then why are you working?"
Shutaro huffed, he really did not have the time to be dealing with this dim bulb now...!!! Inspiration struck him, Shingo still was attracted to Ryouko...
"Shingo," Shutaro smirked, "I believe we'll be spending the next two days together protecting Ryouko-sama's honor."
Shingo's face brightened, "What, when, from whom?"
Shutaro chuckled darkly.
Meanwhile, Ryouko Mendou was walking down a mysteriously quiet Tomobiki High main corridor. She knew that school had been cancelled for her party, but...it was so odd to hear her footsteps on the wooden floor.
There were some teachers and staff members in the classrooms, talking. Some students doing odd jobs, and the Fujinamis fighting somewhere on the second floor.
The sliding door to the Nurse' office was open and Ryouko found Sakura sitting at her desk, eating lunch; obviously enjoying the teacher workday free of any lecherous male students.
Quietly, Ryouko knocked at the doorframe to get the Shinto priestess' attention.
Sakura spoke around a mouthfull of noodles, "Ryouko-sama!? Happy birthday! What brings you here today?"
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Friday, August 4, 2000 - 10:04:
(RP ON)
Megane was cheerful as he wandered into the local packaging store to pick up the gift he had ordered wrapped. As he waltzed up and asked for the package, the employee gave him a hard stare and headed off into the back to retrieve it. Megane was confused a moment, but thought nothing of it.
After a few minutes, the person returned, the strange look still plastered onto his face. After a few seconds of this, Megane had to ask.
"What, what is it?"
"You might want to check into this package.. it's been making strange noises all night!"
"Right, well, whatever..." He paid up and whisked the package away, walking down the street and whistling.
Up in Lum's craft, the green-haired source of most discussions in Tomobiki was desperately chatting with her father.
"...He's been missing for at least a day now, and I can't find him anywhere!"
Invader growled. "Have you.... asked Terra?" he asked with some hesitation.
"Um... well... she's... not available right now.. but I'll remember to ask her later. But have you seen him anywhere? He must have gotten to SOME place!"
Invader shook his head. "No my dear, but I'm already dispatching a team to your location, as well as any other sectors surrounding the Sol system. Whoever has done this couldn't have gotten far.... they'll be there in a couple of hours."
"Thanks daddy!" said Lum, cheerful.
"I'll keep you posted." The display winked out.
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Friday, August 4, 2000 - 23:24:
(RP ON)
Ryouko smiled cheerfully, "Good Day Sakura-sensei! I'm here to have a wide-ranging discussion with you on the topic of men previously married to sorceresses!"
Sakura held her face immobile, swallowed the noodles, tried to digest what Ryouko had just said.
"Uh...hmm. Ryouko, I realize it's your birthday tomorrow but you shouldn't be wasting a School Nurse' and a Shinto Priestess' time on-"
Ryouko's smile vanished, "I'm completely serious, Sakura-sensei."
Sakura shrugged inwardly, she supposed that even if Ryouko were just having fun at her expense, then it really didn't matter since today was a joke anyway.
"All right," Sakura put on her professional voice, "please close the door and have a seat, Ryouko."
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Tuesday, August 15, 2000 - 04:03:
(RP OFF)
Terra awoke with a splitting headache, she opened her eyes expecting herself to be in a nice hospital room with virginal white tile. Instead, she found herself on the floor of what looked like a teenage boy's room.
It took Terra a few more seconds to realize that she was in Ataru Moroboshi's room by the various memorabilia and pictures.
"I see you're awake," Cherry said; poping out of nowhere.
In response, Terra gave the demented monk a good smack on his big bald head. "What the hell are you doing here, Cherry?!?"
Cherry rubbed the new bump on his skull, "Lum and Ataru took you to the emergency room and the doctor gave you a clean bill of health."
"So? Why am I in Moroboshi's futon?"
Cherry waddled his ugly frame around to a cup of Ramen on a tray laying besides the futon. Terra, seeing this, snatched it away from the old monk's grasp.
Cherry, accepting defeat, "Lum and Ataru decided to bring you back here until you came around. I was called here to see if you needed anything."
"And mooch food," Terra snorted. "What time is it?"
Cherry glanced up at Ataru's desk. "I believe it's about 11:00AM, Terra." Cherry frowned as Terra began wolfing down the Ramen, "I have also been instructed to make sure you stay here until Lum's return in about thirty minutes from now."
Terra frowned, sighed, and flopped back down on Ataru's futon.
"Say child," Cherry shifted uncomfortably, "would you be so kind as to have Mrs. Moroboshi bring up some more Ramen? I'm such an old man and..."
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Thursday, August 17, 2000 - 10:36:
(RP ON)
Tick. Tock. Tick. Tock.
Shinobu sighed as the ancient clock hung on the nearby wall seemed to pound into her skull louder. She glanced at Zard, who was standing near the window, deep in thought.
"Zard.... I'm really still not sure about all this.. it's so confusing..." she said quietly.
After thinking a moment longer, Zard turned around to face her. "I know my dear, it's been so long, and nobody should have to undergo the considerations you are. Tell you what. I have a ship prepared for us. A relic from Terra's old fleet. You could come with me, see it. See what your life was supposed to be. If you like it, you'll stay with me. If not, so be it, I'll send you back without a moment's hesitation."
"But.."
"...Is there something you're afraid to leave behind?" asked Zard, curious.
Shinobu thought to herself a moment. "Ataru and Lum, incredibly almost seem to be getting together with one another. Shutaro is far too busy with that Hudson person to worry about me... and I don't even know where Inaba has gotten to.."
She stood up and nodded, a small hint of a tear forming at her eyes. "No. Nothing at all."
Zard nodded. "Alright then. Your parents seem to be surprisingly supportive thus far.. I'll run it past them, and if they okay it, we'll leave tomorrow." He walked closer and kneeled down. "Trust me, this is going to be wonderful."
"It doesn't matter much..." she whispered, mostly to herself, and followed Zard downstairs.
Meanwhile, in a distance system millions of parsecs away, Dr. Ginkobot stood next to a window, that led to a grand view of the entire moon-based facility he was presently working at. He changed facilities every week, as the design was completely modular, with each section having it's own thrusting system and capable of atmospheric entry and deployment. He clasped his hands behind his back and sighed, taking subconscious note of the darkness that filled most of the room.
"I hear my enemies speculating about me. 'Who is Dr. Ginkobot, and what is that old scoundrel up to?' Everyone seems to want something of me. My greatest of opponents, the Oni empire, wants my head on a silver platter for their so called 'war crimes'. I may even end up hunted by my own creation one of these days..."
The faintest hint of a smile was seen on his face as he remembered Terra.
"Terra's little rebellion was nothing more than an army of stupid cattle, driven by their own hatreds and ambitions. Rallying up support to attempt to thwart the Oni kingdom was simple, and old wounds open all too easy. I diverted their attention long enough to deliver my true goal into their waiting arms. Pity that I had to expose such a horrible truth on to one of my greatest of agents... never the less, she may still serve one last purpose."
He turned and walked over to a nearby console and sat down at it, bringing up information on the brain patterns of his "agent".
"A subtle message. One trick of the tongue is all it takes to begin, and nearly complete my operation. The positioning may prove difficult, but there is surely a way..."
The dark and mostly empty hallways nearby Ginkobot's quarters were filled with gutteral laughter, followed by a loud crashing and a scream.
"AHH! MY DRINK!"
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Friday, August 18, 2000 - 00:00:
(RP ON)
Terra leaned back neatly, and let her arm instinctively assert itself, giving Cherry another good bump on his big bald head.
"All right, child, all right," Cherry disengaged himself from Terra's clenched fist. "But you should respect elders and religious leaders more."
"HA! That'll be the day, moocher!" Terra sprang up from the futon; happy to see her cloths were still on.
"I'm going downstairs to get more fo-!" Terra realized her mistake too late; the old monk was already engaged to her left leg like a child.
"Get off you nasty little cuss!" Terra shouted.
"Nyaa nyaa!!!" Cherry teased.
The door to Ataru's room opened, revealing Mrs. Moroboshi. "You two shut up!!! I'm calling around to find Ten-chan!"
Cherry and Terra stopped dead in their tracks. For her part, Mrs. Moroboshi was dressed in exercise leotards with a screwed up angry expression on her face.
"More food!" both Cherry and Terra said in unison.
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Saturday, August 19, 2000 - 21:29:
(RP ON)
Minutes later, Terra was busy munching away at an obscene amount of ramen (with a rather content Cherry), when suddenly rememberance of Ryouko's party hit her upside the head like a hammer.
She quickly moved to the door, but was blocked by an even quicker Cherry.
"You must have patience! Lum and Ataru have not returned yet."
Terra frowned. "Either you get out of my way right this frikken second so I can start setting up the fireworks, or I'll arrange for you to be tied to one when they're fired."
Cherry stood resolute. "Your threats do not concern me. You must learn the fine arts of patience, or risk becoming just like the unlucky one!"
Terra pointed at the door. "Look, more ramen!"
His sense of hunger quickly overriding his sense of wisdom, Cherry promptly whipped around, smacking his face into the door. When he looked back to where Terra was standing, he found her gone.
"Pah, no worries, this is the only way out of the house! Hah!" He continued standing at the door, keeping a wary eye out for Terra.
The girl in question was presently executing a graceful dive out one of the open windows, followed by an equally graceful roll and recovery. She glanced back at the Moroboshi household, chuckled, and started on her way back to the mansion, whistling.
(RP OFF)
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By Jocko on Saturday, August 19, 2000 - 22:05:
(RP ON)
Ten minutes pass, and Cherry was busily devouring a bag of pork rinds when two shadows approached the doorway.
"Cherry!"
"Ah! Ataru!" Cherry dropped the pork rinds.
Lum was beside her darling; worried. "Where's Terra?!?"
Cherry glanced around, "Terra!" he called, "Come on out!" The old monk looked up at Ataru, "she's here, I know she didn't get past me!"
Ataru groaned, "Cherry! She isn't here!"
"Oh?" Cherry scratched his head, "how do you know?"
Lum answered, "because we flew in through Darling's window and looked around the house while you sat there stuffing your face!"
"Hehehe, Lum-san," Cherry tried to put a good face on; despite the fact that Ataru and Lum were obviously not happy with him.
All Cherry got out was "I'm an old man, you see..." before Ataru delivered a swift kick to Cherry; propelling the monk crashing through the closed front door and into the air.
"'Tis Fate!" Cherry wailed into Tomobiki's afternoon.
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Monday, August 21, 2000 - 09:04:
(RP ON)
As Terra walked through the mansion, trying to figure out where the hell her fireworks had gotten to, she spied Shutaro crouched down near Hudson's door, evidently placing something there. She smiled and ducked around the corner to watch.
Evidently he had nearly finished. After checking his work a couple of times, he chuckled and walked off. Curious, Terra headed towards the device and examined it closely. Upon picking it up, the device instantly unpacked a large, flat figure, facing away from her. She craned her head around, and noticed it was some kind of crudely drawn clown. It laughed for a moment, then it's chest opened up and a massive boxing glove shot out on springs. Terra couldn't help but continue smirking.
She reset the device, then promptly pulled out one of her handy-dandy pocket-sized nano-reprogramming kits, then set to work.
After around 3 minutes of tinkering, she replaced the device and walked away. Upon Hudson exiting his room, he would be greeted by the same pop-up clown figure, but the laughter would be replaced by "Hi, I'm Shutaro, and I'm a no-good rotten stinking dum-dum! Please, punch me!" The boxing glove would still come out, but facing the opposite direction, as if though offering it to the "victim". Shutaro would probably blow multiple fuses if he found out, which suited Terra just fine at present. She still hadn't gotten over the "practically blowing her head off" event from earlier.
After a bit more wandering, she eventually found the stockpile of fireworks, along with a very banged up Arman herding the workers around like sheep. She approached him.
"As I figured, it'd take more than a measly explosion to fry your oversized head."
He stopped his incessant barking a moment to turn to her and grin. "Ahh you know me only too well. I'm just making sure that the remaining cargo is intact here.. I assure you you'll be compensated for the loss, despite the circumstances surrounding it...." His smile dropped into a frown. "Have you dealt with the girl behind this?"
Terra shrugged. "I'd imagine getting the oxygen cut off to her brain for a full minute or two was sufficient, but we've worked it out. I wouldn't worry."
"I must admit I am impressed.. it's not every day a single psychotic woman is able to disrupt an entire shipment."
"Uh... yeah. So, you've got a handle on things here?"
"For the moment at least. I'll have them all set by tonight. Looks like I'll be your guest for a little while though."
"How long untill another transport can get here?"
"Tomorrow. Should be an interesting day then.. some big man wanting me to transport some top-secret package.. big deal, big credits."
"Right. Alright then, I'll leave this crap in your hands. Cya around Arman."
She managed to get at least 2 hallways worth of distance away from the room before keeling over in laughter.
"Psychotic woman indeed.. hahahah!"
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Tuesday, August 22, 2000 - 06:30:
(RP ON)
Cherry flew at a neat rate, correcting every few seconds for changes in windspeed. His arrival in his niece's office at Tomobiki High School was right on schedule....
"...And so," Ryouko finished, "I am truly in love for the first time with Ambassador Hudson." she paused to assess the look on Sakura's face. Barely conceiled shock, Ryouko shrugged. Oh well...
Sakura blinked, "you must think me a fool-"
"No!" Ryouko said; cursing her reputation as a prankster. "Sakura-sensei, I need your advice..."
Sakura shook her head, grabbed and took a mighty swig of water from a plastic bottle.
Ryouko waited for Sakura to speak. It didn't happen.
"Sakura-sensei, this is my first romantic relationship. And I need to know what to expect from a man who was formerly bonded to a Sorceress..."
Sakura sighed, "I will not be happy when I find out this is just a practical joke."
"It isn't."
"All right," Sakura let out a small smile. Thanking her lucky stars that today was an off-day.
CRASH!
Cherry, rolled into a ball, smashed through the big window behind Sakura, spraying shards of glass all over the room. Ryouko hit the deck right when she saw the dark brown mass fall out of the sky, fortunately for Sakura her spiritual powers easily deflected the glass.
For Cherry's part, the old monk bounced off the floor onto Sakura's desk with his face firmly planted into what was left of his niece's lunch.
When Ryouko recovered and got to her feet again the first thing she saw was Sakura rolling up the left sleeve on her lab coat and punching Cherry square on his head.
"The least you could do is say hello before you begin stuffing your face!" Sakura raged at her uncle.
(RP OFF)
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By Parias on Friday, August 25, 2000 - 09:57:
(RP ON)
After making sure Arman had everything explosive-related under control, Terra, once again, found herself with nothing to do. So she decided to take another quickly-becoming-patented walk around town.
As she rounded a particular corner, she found herself annoyingly bumping into yet another person. Only this one appeared to be a bulldozer with places to go, people to see, and unsuspecting victims to run down. Recovering from the impact, Terra looked up into Megane's apologetic face and noted the package he was holding. She could have sworn she heard it go "Ow". She accepted his hand and stood up again.
"Sorry about that, I'm in a rush."
"Yeah, most people seem to be these days.. what's in the box?"
Megane looked confused a second, then laughed. "Oh, this? It's.. uh.. a present for Ryouko-chan! Haha!"
"A present that goes 'Ow'?
"Uh......." He shifted his feet around a moment, evidently digging for a response. Finding none, he called upon his next-best option. "Gotta go!" He then promptly took off past her, narrowly avoiding a second collision. Terra scratched her head.
"Man, is it just me, or is everyone growing less sane each day? Sheesh!"
She barely managed to walk 2 more meters before getting railroaded again by a squadron of what appeared to be elite Oni shock troopers. She rubbed her aching head, growled, and got back to her feet.
"What the hell are you guys doing here? Getting ready to invade the planet or something?" she said jokingly. The leader of the squad didn't appear impressed.
"We have orders to search out and find objective 0591, SIR!"
"Uh, and what exactly is 'objective 0591'? And last time I checked, I still had to sit down to take a piss."
"That is classified information SIR! ...Uh, I mean, ma'am."
Terra shrugged. "Whatever, I'll probably find out sooner or later. Just try not to mow down any people unless they shoot at you first, alright?"
The entire squad merely saluted at once, and Terra quickly side-stepped to avoid getting trampled as they marched on past. As the last trooper went by, she stuck her foot out and smiled as he landed with a satisfying *CRUNCH!* Whistling and looking away, she walked on, no real destination in mind.
"The Oni empire's up to something again.. but what? Sheesh, nothing's ever easy these days.." she thought to herself, resolving to carefully examine each turn before she ended up becoming critically injured again.
(RP OFF)
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By Jocko on Friday, August 25, 2000 - 20:34:
(RP ON)
Megane was worried. Could that have really been an "Ow" he and Terra heard from the present? No, get a grip on yourself! Megane had picked up a simple, unassuming...though he really wasn't sure exactly what it was, object.
Deciding he needed a drink, Megane altered his course somewhat, and turned into a local WcDonalds.
Across town in Tomobiki High School's Nurses station things had settled down to a nice pitch as Cherry had settled into a perch on Sakura's desk, eating some Ramen as Sakura and Ryouko talked about Hudson.
"Ryouko!" Sakura snapped, "realize what you're saying!"
Cherry swallowed, "I think she knows what she's saying, Sakura."
"Stay out of this, uncle!" Sakura blared, "you don't know *what* you're talking about!"
Cherry narrowed his gaze at his niece, "Ryouko-sama wants to be Hudson-sama's lover, is it that hard for you to understand? I know that Tsubame isn't much for sophistication, but I at *least* thought he..."
SMACK!
Cherry was thrown across the room and now was indented nicely in the wall. Ryouko blinked, "dear, oh dear."
Sakura glared at Cherry in the far wall, "Don't you know when to keep your mouth shut?!?!"
Cherry smirked, "'Tis Fate!"
"Should've known..." Sakura turned back to face Ryouko; noticeably calmer. "Ryouko, why? Hudson-sama is sooo much older than you?"
Ryouko sighed, "I'm not interesting in talking and the whys of it, I'm not really sure of them myself. But I need to talk to someone about how men Sorceress' husbands behave when you try to..." Ryouko nodded suggestively.
Sakura nodded as realization hit her like a mallet, "and you know I interned in Portland, Oregon during the 70s under the tutelage of Sorceress Frances Clayton."
The priestess smiled at the good memories. She had learned various summoning and elemental magic under the supervision of Frances Clayton.
"So," Sakura said softly, "you want to know how they treat their husbands, eh?"
"Hai," Ryuoko nodded.
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Wednesday, August 30, 2000 - 10:03:
(RP ON)
Ataru's backyard, which had been converted into a temporary HQ was teeming with activity. Oni soldiers, armed to the teeth were wandering around performing millions of things at once, and more were arriving by the bucketfull every half hour. Ataru, quite stunned by this whole thing, turned away from the window and stared at Lum.
"Is this all necessary? There's enough firepower down there to level the entire city! In seconds!"
Lum shrugged. "I'd do the same for you darling!"
"But this is Ten we're talking about! I mean, the same kid who caused my entire house to explode shortly after I met him!"
"But if he was able to take care of himself like you say, he'd have come back already! No, I won't rest untill he's found again! Now come on, we're going to comb the city once more!"
Before Ataru could protest, he was having his arm practically being torn out of it's socket again as Lum grabbed it and took off out the window, dragging him behind her.
A pair of troopers down below looked up in concern at the loud screaming coming from the house, but relaxed when they noticed it was just Lum and Ataru leaving.
"Cripes, with the way that kid acts, you'd think he hated flying or something.." said one, biting a hefty chunk out of his nutrition bar. The rations supplied for an extended trip were generally tasteless, but were preferable to starving to death.
Another soldier chuckled. "You know how these crazy humans are.. I say we should've just invaded them right from the start. It would've been better for everyone!"
"Yeah, right..."
The first soldier was taking a sip from his drink when he was suddenly shoved aside. He cussed loudly as the hot liquids fell into his lap and looked up in time to see a tech run past, yelling to get the attention of the nearest high-ranking officer. The soldier stared a moment as the tech chatted with the officer, then cussed again as he yelled for attention. The soldiers lined up and snapped off salutes.
"Alright you runts, Lamfrey informs me that he's got a minimal contact on our objective. He appears to be trapped in a small box, or container of some sort. We're not entirely sure if the contact is true or not, but we definately have to check it out. Suit up soldiers, we roll in 5!"
"Aw geez, this is gonna take me 2 damn hours to clean out of my armour!" muttered the first soldier, as he began loading his rifle and prepping for battle.
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Wednesday, August 30, 2000 - 23:54:
(RP ON)
"Well," Sakura intoned, "you should be able to find out that info-"
"One moment, Sakura-sensei," Ryouko delicately raised her hand; then reached into her kimono and extracted a large, leather-bound book. The book was very big, a tome of at least 1000 pages, and was at least a few decades old.
"It's in English, and my English reading skills are rather poor. Add to that it was published in 1938."
"I see," Sakura glanced down at the book to see Cherry already opening it.
"UNCLE!"
"What?"
Sakura groaned, deciding to let it go this time.
Cherry for his part was doing his best just to turn the pages. "So what do you need Sakura for, Ryouko-sama?"
"Translation and updated facts."
"And likely how to deal with the wounds on Hudson's back..." Cherry muttered as he turned to the table of contents.
Sakura and Ryouko narrowed their gaze at the old monk.
"Yes," Ryouko said cautiously, "how did you know, Cherry?"
Cherry chuckled dryly, "Hudson-sama always came to me for some remedies when his American military medics so called 'expertise' didn't cut it."
"Make the nut," Ryouko repeated in english another phrase Hudson was fond of.
"That too!" Cherry giggled. "Ahh, I remember that day...May 19, 1949."
Sakura and Ryouko drew closer to the monk sitting on the table as the story unfolded...
(RP OFF)
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By Parias on Thursday, August 31, 2000 - 23:11:
(RP ON)
Megane was sitting boredly on his couch at home, watching TV to pass the time. He flipped through the channels, unfortunately not finding much on. One had a baseball game, another some whacko screaming about how the entire planet was doomed to explode any second now, and yet another a sumo wrestling match.
He sighed in frustration and was about to get up to grab some food when suddenly the door was blown clean off it's hinges, landing on top of him. He squirmed around and watched as 10 soldiers piled in. A ruckus came from the kitchen, and he managed to twist his head around and see 10 more rush in from the kitchen. 5 more then came out of the closet, three fell out of the bathroom, and another dramatically flew in from the window.
The entire squad then set about ripping his house apart, apparently not even noticing him trapped under the door. He clutched the gift he had been holding the whole time hard, hoping it hadn't been damaged by the impact.
After the squadron had almost literally turned the house upside-down, one of them yelled out. "Got nothing here Sarge! Must've been a fluke!"
"Damn!" yelled another. "Alright, regroup at HQ!"
The soldiers all left the house through the gaping hole where the door used to be, leaving Megane still trapped under the door, very confused.
(RP OFF)
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By Jocko on Friday, September 1, 2000 - 03:35:
(RP ON)
Cherry began recounting a sunny Wednesday morning of May 19, 1949 in the US Occupation Forces basecamp where in thirty-years time a mall would be built. For then, Cherry described a vacant sandy lot on the shore of the Tomobiki river with semi-permanent green US military buildings standing on it.
It was here that Lt. Colonel Hudson set up his occupying forces. Or more specifically, in a green metal building near the main gate with Tomobiki beyond it.
A sign hung on its door, reading:
"DO NOT DISTURB BEFORE 9:00AM UNLESS LIFE AND LIMB ARE ENDANGERED!!! THIS MEANS YOU!!!!"
"FROM THE MANAGEMENT."
The sign was written in English, Japanese, French, German, Spanish, and at least three other languages the young Marine Captain standing before it didn't understand.
Captain Gatewood sighed in resignation as he glanced at his watch. 8:21AM.
Gatewood, 36 years old with a wife and two children back home in Missouri, didn't like risking reprimand from a superior officer who'd only just turned 25 two months ago today.
Resolute, Gatewood braced himself and poised his finger over the door buzzer. The Captain slowly depressed the button.
BUZZZZ....
"Wha-wha-whaat? What is it? Can't you read the sign?!?!"
'So far, so good,' Gatewood allowed himself a smile. Presently he shouted, "Captain Gatewood from Tokyo, sir."
"Is it a riot?!? Deserter?!?! Orders from HQ?!?!"
"Orders from General Garth, Colonel Hudson, sir!"
The door cracked open, revealing a pair of beady eyes.
"What are the charges?" Hudson asked evenly.
Gatewood blinked, "what? No charges sir, only orders from General Garth."
Hudson breathed a noticeable sigh of relief, "Spill it, Captain."
Gatewood nodded, "In three days time the Mendou family patriarch, Kazuo Mendou, will be celebrating his 75 birthday. The family has requested a very special, and the General stresses, *very* humble favor from the US military. In view of their cooperation with us we have decided to grant it."
Hudson opened the door wider, revealing that he was only wearing his regulation green underwear. "What favor, Gatewood?"
"A barrel of Chinese honey."
Hudson seemed a bit confused, "So give it to him." 'Is General Garth angry with me again?' Hudson thought about asking Gatewood, but decided against it.
Gatewood coughed, "General Garth made it very clear that you, sir, are to be the 'purveyer' of the gift. You and a local representative."
"Oh?" Hudson nodded, "all right. Is Priest Masaki available?"
Gatewood coughed again. Hudson caught it with, "you better have a medic look at that, Captain."
The Captain nodded, "the local representative has already been choosen, and your assignment is to begin immediately."
Hudson didn't like mind-games before he'd had his morning cornbread. "Where do I pick up this local representative?"
"Colonel, the representative is clinging to my right leg." Gatewood pointed down discreetly.
Hudson gazed followed Gatewood's right leg down to...oh no.
"Mr. Occupier!" Cherry, the poor Buddhist monk of Tomobiki-Cho, squealed out in horrid English parody.
(RP OFF)
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By Parias on Wednesday, September 6, 2000 - 09:07:
(RP ON)
Lum and a very concerned Ataru were buzzing around Tomobiki at an insane pace, when Lum suddenly stopped and began staring off into the distance. Ataru, who was too busy trying to hold his own lunch in to look up, complained.
"What? What are we stopping for?"
Lum squinted and peered harder.
"Looks like another ship coming down.. maybe THAT's the one from the people who are trying to kidnap Ten!"
"What? NO! Wait! Remember what happened last- AUGH!"
He began screaming loudly again and grimaced as he nearly felt his arm snap loose from it's socket. Lum was moving again, at an incredible pace at that.
By the time they reached the ship, it was already dis-embarking it's cargo... a single passenger. After he jumped out the airlock, he waved to the ship and covered himself as it took off again.
Lum settled down in front of the figure, leaving Ataru in a disfigured heap. She frowned and stared at him. Most of his features were concealed by a heavy cloak that shrowded most of his features, including his head.
"Who are you?" she asked.
"Out of my way Oni child, my business is not with you." He stepped forward, shoving Lum out of his path. She saw a small energy surge come from his hand when it contacted with her, but it was too late to react. Seconds later she was a few good feet away, lying on her back with one hell of a pain in her stomach. She struggled to her feet and looked around. The figure was gone.
"Child indeed!" she snorted, helping Ataru to his feet.
"Lum.. lets.. rest.. a.. moment..." he said slowly, breathing hard. His words fell on deaf ears, however, as once again his arm was being yanked on. The force this time seemed to be sufficient to cause damage, however, as he heard a very loud crack as Lum took off. He was too tired to scream, however, and fell unconscious from the pain instead. Before fading into darkness, he wondered which was more painful, going against Lum, or with her.
(RP OFF)
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By Jocko on Wednesday, September 6, 2000 - 22:38:
(RP ON)
"Mr. Occupier?!?" Ryouko asked; snapping Sakura and Cherry out of reverie.
"Yes, um..." Cherry chuckled nervously, scratched the back of his head. "I use to tease Hudson-sama quite often."
Ryouko didn't like that, "why?" she asked with just the right edge of scorn in her voice.
"Well, he was the military occupier of Tomobiki-Cho for seven years, Ryouko-sama. A benevolent occupier, yes, but he still symbolised Japan's failure to be victorious over the United States." Cherry sighed, sipping some stolen tea.
Ryouko nodded, "all right, but you still haven't answered my question."
"Oh, yes," Cherry composed himself, "Mr. Occupier came out of an attempt to get Hudson to lighten up a bit during 1947."
Ryouko frowned, "lighten up, why?"
Cherry looked up at Ryouko in his rare serious moments, "Hudson-sama wasn't as spiritually healthy in those days as is now. If you listen, I'll get to that part of the story in just a few minutes."
Meanwhile, Sakura was looking at the telephone on her desk, thinking about how long stories go much better with large quantities of take-out food. Cherry caught it, "Sakura, I'm in the mood for hamburgers right now."
Sakura nodded, but wised up, "pay for yourself, Uncle!!!"
"Oh Sakura, Sakura..." Cherry shook his head.
Ryouko wasn't up for any of this right now. She simply had to know about Warren-kun's past!
Cherry was about to try and weasel Sakura into paying when he felt a bag of yen drop unceremoniously onto his head. The old monk spun around, facing Ryouko.
"Start talking, Cherry, Sakura-sensei will handle all the food arrangements."
(RP OFF)
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By Parias on Sunday, October 1, 2000 - 09:45:
(RP ON)
The odd hooded figure that had entered Tomobiki dashed across the rooftops, following his prey. He was definately on-target, the size dimensions, the agility, stance, and general attitude were all within target specifications.
As he noticed a turn in the road up ahead, he moved upwards a couple more buildings, then perched down at the corner, watching down below. He squinted in confusion.
"Odd, where did she go? Surely I haven't become this lazy over time.."
Figuring there might just be something he was missing from above, he leapt off the building. Yanking out a small staff, he pressed a button on it. The bottom half extended sufficiently to brace his fall, and he landed perfectly. He quickly concealed the device again and looked around.
Suddenly, a hand shot out and grabbed him, wrapping itself around his neck in a professional maneuver he was highly familiar with. The smallest pressure in the correct area would result in the failure of his mission, so he held still.
"Alright buddy, I've got this thing about being followed, and lately, I'm tried of my days turning to shit. So would you mind explaining exactly what the hell you think you're doing?"
He smiled inwardly. "What makes you think I was following you?"
"Oh, gee, I don't know, maybe the fact that you've been tracing my steps exactly for the past 4 blocks!" She tightened her grip slightly.
"Terra, I had to confirm that you were the person I sought. For I carry critical information for you regarding one Doctor Ginkobot." He heard the surprised exhale he was expecting.
"Ginko...? Hmmm."
Terra released her grip and allowed the figure to move a step away and face her. The hood still concealed her face, much to her chagrin.
"Alright, speak up, but be quick, I got places to be."
The cloaked figure nodded. "Of course. All you need to know is this: Your star is not yet fully bright."
After recieving no response, the figure snapped his fingers in front of her face. Terra didn't even blink.
"Excellent. Now, remember this Terra, for I will only say it once. Tomorrow evening at roughly twenty-hundred hours, you will meet me in the park area. You will come equipped, and you will follow my instructions to the letter at that time. Before leaving, you will divert the guards on a false alarm. How you do it is irrelevant, just be certain that defense around the party location, which I know will take place, is minimal. Now, in 2 minutes you shall become yourself again, and remember nothing of this. Begin now."
His task completed, the hooded figure leapt away, back onto the rooftops. He had one more task to perform before waiting for the next day to come.
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Monday, October 2, 2000 - 21:05:
(RP ON)
When Cherry got back to the narrative. He was described Warren Hudson's daily routine as Chief Occupation Officer of Tomobiki...
Hudson, Gatewood, and Cherry walked three abreast to each other into Tomobiki's Ginza. Hudson had not had time to grab breakfast so he approached a familiar noodle stand.
"You hungry, Captain?" Hudson asked merrily as he strolled with Cherry over to order.
"No," Gatewood answered as if disapproving of Hudson's actions.
And so, with Hudson paying, Cherry and Warren began walking with Gatewood again while busily slurping down cups of noodles.
Warren noticed another thing about Gatewood; the man hated everything around him. 'At least,' Hudson told himself, 'he doesn't appear to be stupid as well as mean.'
Particularly, Gatewood seemed to be "disapproving" when Cherry and Hudson stopped to talk to a group of schoolchildren who were throwing rocks at birds. It turned into a story/lecture.
Finally, they arrived at the local US Occupation Force depot for supplies. It was no small amount of time before they had the barrel and a jeep to transport it on.
As Gatewood drove, Hudson glanced back at the barrel. "Christ, this thing is big..."
The barrel was one meter long and a quarter of its length in width. It wasn't even made of wood, but standard one-inch thick stainless steel. It had a "Property of US Occupation Forces, Tokyo, Japan."
It was so much honey, that Cherry was soon nagging Hudson to let him sample "just a little" first as his "priestly duty."
(RP OFF)
-
By Parias on Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 09:53:
(RP ON)
Moments after Terra recovered, she became innately aware of a hole in her memory. Oddly enough, she couldn't remember anything that had happened for the past 20 minutes. Figuring something was up, she headed off for the school.
When she arrived, she marched right to Sakura's office. She was about to knock on the door, but the voices she heard beyond it gave her reason to pause. She listened for a moment. There appeared to be some form of story being told. And she could've sworn that was Ryouko in there..
"Why Ryouko's hanging around Cherry willingly is beyond me. Why she's hanging aroud Cherry listening to him babble old war stories is an even greater mystery...."
Sighing, Terra eventually came to the conclusion that she needed some rest, and spun around to head back down the hallway.
Inside of the room, Cherry had paused a moment to devour another bowl of ramen. Ryouko was thinking a moment to reflect on what had been told thus far. She couldn't help but smile a little at how lively Hudson sounded at the time.. not that he was any slower today.
She was suddenly jarred from her thoughts by a loud crashing coming just from beyond the door, followed by 2 voices letting loose a long string of obscenities.
"WHY DON'T YOU WATCH WHERE THE HELL YOU'RE SWEEPING YOU IDIOT?" yelled the female voice.
"BORIS TIRED OF LISTENING TO RAMBLING CRAZY WOMEN!" yelled another, with a heavy Russian accent.
"CRAZY WOMEN?! I'LL SHOW YOU CRAZY!"
"Hey! Give mop back to Boris!"
*THOCK!*
Sakura and Ryouko gritted their teeth in unision as the unmistakable crunch of a large, blunt object connecting with a skull was heard. Sakura looked at Ryouko questioningly.
"Is that....?"
Ryouko simply sighed and stood up, walking over to the door and opening it. She was greeted by the sight of Terra, rubbing her elbow whilst completely drenched in soapy water. In front of her was one of the school's janitors, lying unconscious with a large red mark on his face.
"Terra, what are you doing here?" she asked.
"Uhm...... just.. passing through?" replied Terra, shrugging and standing up while trying to shake off some of the water. Aside from causing everything within a 2 meter radius to also get drenched (aside from Ryouko, who smartly stepped back), not much was accomplished. She let loose a shiver and turned to leave.
"Hold on Terra.." called Sakura. "You'll probably catch a cold wandering home like that. Get in here, I'll get you a towel so you can dry off."
"I wouldn't want to intrude...."
"Did I ASK you to stay? No, I TOLD you to stay!" she said sternly, throwing a towel at her. "Now get in here!"
"Yes ma'am!" Terra said, scurrying in. Sakura and Ryouko returned to their respective seats.
"Is it alright with you Ryouko?" asked Sakura.
"What? Oh, yes, of course."
"Alright. Cherry, lets continue."
No response.
"CHERRY!" she barked, grabbing a spare bowl and smacking him upside the head with it. He spat out the noodles he was contently chewing on and returned to the book. Terra leaned in closer, curious.
(RP OFF)
-
By Jocko on Tuesday, October 10, 2000 - 21:34:
(RP ON)
"What's this for?" Cherry blinked.
Sakura scowled, "forget that for now, back to the story."
Although, to be honest, Sakura was trying hard to remember exactly why a Russian was working at Tomobiki.
Ryouko leaned close to Terra, "Cherry is telling a story about Hudson-sama and he delivering a barrel of Chinese honey back in 1949."
"Oh," Terra nodded, becoming entranced. Was Cherry as annoying when he was young as he was in old age? She would find out soon...
...The US Jeep happily rumbled and bounced down the cobblestone streets of Tomobiki; approaching a small temporary bridge across the Tomobiki River in the distance. Because of various foot traffic and other vehicles, the Jeep was limited to a speed of between 10 and 15 mph.
"No, Cherry!" Hudson blared at the monk in the Jeeps' back; riding along with the honey barrel.
"Why not?" Cherry chortled; trying to sound like a mischevious little boy.
Hudson turned to look back at him. "Well gee," Warren made a face, "I dunno, maybe something being perversely wrong about a holy man stealing something he was charged with protecting?!?"
Cherry frowned; put on another face. "You westerners and you're funny ideas about Priestly obligations! And I am not stealing it!"
Hudson grinned sinister, "don't trifle with me, Cherry. I've talked to Ishikawa; he says you need to be good."
Cherry always recoiled at the mention of his old mentor, Toshio Ishikawa.
Hudson chuckled, and glanced back at their driver, Captain Gatewood.
Gatewood was obviously making an unfavorable judgement of Hudson. Whether he was sent here for that specific purpose, Warren could not currently say.
They were driving at about 15 mph; slow enough to see a happy young couple out with a young child at their side.
A relatively common sight, yes. But Hudson could see that Gatewood clearly saw that the man was in US military uniform; a Lieutenant. Gatewood subtly lost his composure as the man looked at the Jeep to see Hudson.
Hudson waved, "Mornin' Lieutenant, I see Reiji's walking now!"
The woman, in a traditional kimono and probably in her early 20s, blushed with motherly pride.
The Lietenant smiled, hollered back, "He's making his parents proud everyday, Colonel! Thanks, and good mornin'!"
Gatewood, still not paying enough attention to the road, threw an angry glare at Hudson: "What exactly was that, *Colonel*?"
(RP OFF)
-
<Jocko>
(RP ON)
Cherry cleared his throat, "it was on that day that Captain Gatewood would find his world view rocked forever by fate, Col. Hudson, myself, and a big delicious barrel of Chinese honey..." the old monk salivated.
*insert cool time flashback effects*
"Wow, cool!" Terra whistled.
"Exquisite," Ryouko breathed.
Sakura groaned, "Get on with it, Uncle!"
_________________
..."what do you mean, Captain?" Hudson looked back at him. "Is there something you'd like to report?"
Gatewood swallowed, and pulled the car over to the side of the road.
Hudson put on a thin smile, crossed his arms across his chest as Cherry piped up in the back seat by the honey barrel.
"What are we stopping for, Occupier-san?"
Hudson glanced back at the monk, "letting the Captain here learn something about life here in Tomobiki-Cho."
Hudson looked at Gatewood, "begin any time, Captain."
"Colonel, permission to speak freely?"
"Granted," Hudson smiled without humor.
"Do you realize how improper it is for intermarriage and mingling between the local population and the soldiers?"
Hudson looked him square in the eye, "now look, *Captain*, in *my* district we follow the laws and regulations set forth by Washington, the military, the occupation forces, and the Japanese officials. When there is room for my interpretation, I give it."
"And that extends to intermarriage with the--" Gatewood stopped himself.
Hudson sneered, "do watch yourself, Captain. I run a completely integrated operation here. You see soldiers here who are white, black, and practically everything in between."
Gatewood locked his gaze at the road ahead.
Hudson continued, "so what if some of my men have fallen in love? Who am I stop something as wonderful as love? Are you someone to get in the way of love, Gatewood?"
Gatewood, a hard line visible at his jaw, sighed, "understood, Colonel. Shall we be on our way?"
"Of course, Captain." Hudson settled back.
Cherry, eating something, spoke: "Captain Gatewood, I am on a quest to find the Occupier here a proper woman, I was wondering--"
"CHERRY!" Hudson shouted, landing a fist to the top of the monk's bald head.
(RP OFF)
-
<Parias>
(RP ON)
Lum was becoming depressed. Practically the entire city had been turned upside-down by now (through a combined effort of Lum and Ataru, a large Oni military force, and a small group of Kuroko willingly lent out by Mendou) and there was still no sign of Ten. The same was said for the space-bound search going on by almost the entire Oni fleet.
Even Ataru was starting to become slightly concerned. The little brat had vanished at least once or twice before, but never without leaving some kind of trail behind... right now, there was absolutely nothing. There was that odd hooded figure they had bumped into earlier, but searching tirelessly for him turned up nothing either. It's as if Ten, and all evidence leading to his abduction has somehow vanished into thin air.
Ataru and Lum were sitting on a bench at the side of the road, trying to figure out where to look next when they heard some loud pleading coming up the road. Normally this wouldn't have caught his attention, except for the topic of their conversation....
"C'mon Megane, what's in the box?"
"Yeah, tell us! What'd you find up there?"
"Ah ah! That is for me to know, and you to find out.... at Ryouko's birthday party."
"Awwww, come on, just a little peek? You wouldn't have it in the first place if we weren't there to distract him!"
"NO! Keep your hands off of it!"
Quite miffed, Ataru stood up and walked into Megane's path, expecting them to stop before trampling all over him. They stopped indeed, but Megane was so caught up trying to keep his package away from the grabbing hands of the rest of the stormtroopers that he wasn't paying attention to where he was going, and it wasn't untill he was stepping all over Ataru's face that they finally paused and looked down.
"Woops, sorry Ataru...." started Megane.
"You idiot! Get off my face!" yelled Ataru, before shoving him off and standing up, footprints plastered across his forehead. "What have you been doing?! Didn't you hear, Ten is missing!"
The stormtroopers just stared.
"B-b-but.. we were preparing for Ryouko's birthday party!" stuttered Chibi.
"And, uh, besides, we already looked for him... we couldn't find him." Megane glanced uncomfortably at Lum, the wrapped package he was holding, and back to Lum again. "Can we go now?"
Everyone turned to Lum as she started sniffing. "Darling can't find him.. daddy can't find him... even you can't find him!"
"Uh oh..." breathed Ataru.
"WAAAAAAAAA! I'LL NEVER FIND TEN!!"
The waterworks started. Megane, his spontaneous loyalty to Lum overriding anything else he had planned at the moment quickly flung the package over his shoulder (where it landed in the middle of the road) and sprung to the aid of his fallen Princess, along with the rest of the stormtroopers. A very audiable "ouch!" was heard as the package landed on the pavement. Everyone froze and stared at it. Lum slowly rose to her feet and blinked.
"Um... Megane? What's in the package?"
"Oh! Uh, haha! Just some, uh.. things I gathered..."
Lum slowly began walking towards the package, curious. Beads of sweat fell down Megane's forehead.
"Oh god, she's going to find out the secret behind her missing things...... what kind of toy does she have that goes 'ouch' anyways? She's almost there! I need to think of something, fast!"
Megane was about to call for a general retreat, when the humm of motorized vehicles filled the air. Before Lum could place a single step onto the road, a large tank rolled passed, not even slowing down to honk. It was quickly followed by another with two large missile racks mounted on it, then three more of a slightly different variety. Then a group of APCs rolled past, filled with yelling troopers. The long line of units was finished by a large squad of marines themselves, marching on after the vehicles.
"What's going on?" yelled Ataru over the loud roar.
"Some kind of stakeout! We think we have a lead on who took the kid!" yelled back one of the marines, before being poked by one of the higher-ranking officers and being told to get back into formation.
"They've found Ten!" squealed Lum in joy, grabbing Ataru's arm and taking off again in the direction the vehicles were heading. Ataru's screaming rapidly faded away, but the stormtroopers took no notice, they could only stare in disbelief as the miliary column marched on by. Finally, it ended.
"Our present! It's ruined!" moured Kakugari, holding his hands against his head.
"What'll we get for Ryouko now?" asked Chibi.
"Wait, you idiots, where is the gift? I can't see it anywhere!" Megane started looking around.
"There it is!" yelled Chibi, pointing up the road. "It must've been kicked up there!"
They quickly ran to it's location and stared down, still in further shock. Although slightly dented, the package still appeared to be in pristine condition.
"Wow..." breathed Kakugari. "How much did they wrap that thing?"
"I told them to do it 'as much as possible' if I recall correctly..." Megane straightened his glasses, bent down, and retrieved the package. "Now then, where were we? Ahh yes, my impending richness from the Mendou family..."
"You mean our impending richness!" cut in Chibi.
"Uh.... right. 'Our' impending richness..."
They continued on their path up the sidewalk, stopping a short ways down to devolve into another argument over who should hold the package.
(RP OFF)
-
<Jocko>
(RP ON)
Ryouko looked at Cherry, "Did Hudson-sama punish Gatewood?"
"Er, no..." Cherry shuffled his feet, "Gatewood eventually went back to the United States and lived a normal American life, whatever that is..."
The story continued...
The Jeep was crossing the temporary bridge across the Tomobiki River with the arguing Hudson and Cherry.
"First of all, it wouldn't be proper!" Hudson blared at the passenger monk, "and stop fondling the honey barrel!"
"Hudson-sama, I know many young women who are 16 years and older who need fondling--I mean, husbands," Cherry grinned a grin not unlike that of a lecher.
Hudson smiled smartly, "Then why don't you renounce your vows and have at it?"
To Warren's surprise, Cherry seemed to consider it. It was then that the Jeep blew a tire.
Stopping in the middle of the bridge, Gatewood and Hudson jumped out to look at the tire.
"Lordy! Another bolt," Hudson said in dismay at the three inch wide bolt sticking partway out of the front-left tire.
"Captain, get on the radio and get a tow truck out here real ricky-tick," Hudson looked around; they were blocking an entire lane on the two lane bridge, "let's get out of here before the factory worker's go on lunch break."
Gatewood got back behind the wheel, picked up the radio receiver, tried a few channels, "Colonel, the radio is dead."
Outside the Jeep, Warren threw his hands up in defeat. Perfect, just fucking perfect, here he was on a temporary bridge with a crazy monk, a racist driver, a broken radio, and the biggest barrel of honey he had ever seen.
Quickly, he glanced around. Hudson knew there was a guard post just up the road and over the hill; luckily, there were only a few wagons of rice sellers waiting for the jeep to get out of the way. A problem easily solved by the lack of oncoming traffic.
Warren was about to start running when he noticed Cherry rummaging around in the back of the jeep.
"Aw Shit..."
(RP OFF)
-
<Parias>
(RP ON)
"You're sure this is the place?" whispered the leader over the radio.
"Yup, I'm sure!" replied the second in command.
"Then this is it. We'll wrap it up here and get off this miserable rock so I can get back to my girl. Three, four, head around the back. Six and eight, you take the upper windows. Nine, ready with that charge. Remember, we just want to knock the wall down, not nuke everything within a 5 mile radius!"
The squad began splitting up as the Colonel barked out the orders. After an impressive 10 second's delay, everyone signalled they were ready.
"Charge ready sir!"
"Alright... on my mark..."
Meanwhile, inside of the giftshop Megane had visited earlier, the saleswoman was conversing with a customer.
"....So this odd looking fellow with a grin wider than Hong Kong appears and slams this package onto the counter, then tells me to wrap it up as much as I possibly could!"
The customer rolled his eyes. "So?"
"Normally I wouldn't have a problem with this, see, I mean, who can turn down the extra cash? But the really wierd thing is, this package kept going 'Ouch' whenever I moved it too quickly or slammed it on something..."
The customer was now wide-eyed. "Maybe there was a person inside?"
The saleswoman shook her head. "Nope, the package is way too small, no normal person could fit in there. But it really freaked me out. Strangest thing I've ever seen."
"Hmmm... is the package still around?"
"No, the kid came by already and-"
They were startled by a loud yell from outside, as the front wall to the store suddenly disconnected itself from the rest of the building and flew inwards. The couple smartly ducked under it as it embedded itself in a mess somewhere at the rear of the store.
"What in god's name..."
Another loud yell was heard, this time from above, as the windows shattered and armoured soldiers started to pour in. More burst in from the back, and a large group, plus an APC pushed their way in through the front. They stopped in front of the pair and aimed their weapons at them.
"Wha.. what the hell is going on here?" said the customer, shocked. The saleswoman fainted.
The second in command, unnerved by the saleswoman's sudden movements, yelled out. "SHE'S GONNA BLOW! OPEN FIRE!"
Approximately 548,300 ejected shells and 60 hand grenades later, the smoke began to clear, revealing one unconscious woman, one scared-to-death customer who's eyes were trying to jump out of their sockets, and one piece of a lavish countertop, reduced to rubble from the firing. Somehow, through sheer luck, both of the innocents were untouched.
"LIEUTENAAAAANNNT!" yelled the leader, poking his head in. Scared, the second in command scurried over to the Colonel.
"Uh, sir.. I can explain...."
"I spend 30 months of my miserable life training you pathetic excuses for a hand-picked crew, and what do I get?"
"I.... I don't know sir, what DO you get?"
"A bunch of worthless lowlifes who couldn't aim properly if their lives depended on it! See that wall over there? It's supposed to be over HERE!" The Colonel pointed to his feet. "I gave you strict instructions as to how that wall should be knocked down! KNOCKED DOWN Lieutenant, not BLOWN ACROSS THE ROOM! Now I want you to retrieve the wall, place it back into position, and do the whole thing again untill you get it right! DO I MAKE MYSELF CLEAR?"
"Sir, yes sir!" yelled the second in command, sweating bullets. He quickly began ordering the demolition squad to set the wall back up again.
"As for the rest of you, split up and find the objective!" The Colonel pointed to a pair of young soldiers wielding little more than handguns. "Take these 2 prisoners in for interrogation!"
They saluted and grabbed the innocents, piling them into the APC and driving away. The Colonel watched with approval and lit a cigar.
"I hate my fucking life." he whispered.
(RP OFF)
-
<Jocko>
(RP ON)
"Uncle!" Sakura shook her fist in anger.
Cherry gave his niece a look. "Really Sakura, you knew before the story began what I did..."
"That isn't an excuse for your gluttony! Even if it was 36 years ago!"
The argument was about to continue when Terra laughed, "now, now Nurse Sakura, people in rock houses shouldn't throw glass..."
Ryouko looked to Terra, "Terra-chan, I believe the phrase is 'people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.'"
"Well, I'll be damned."
Things calmed down, and Cherry continued with the narrative...
******
"Cherry!" Hudson shouted as he ran for the Jeep.
Alas, inside the vehicle Cherry was busy handling a tire jack and attempting to open the honey barrel.
"Come to Fate," Cherry slobbered, rocking back and forth; balancing on Hudson's attache case. Seeing he wasn't making any progress, the Buddhist monk gave it all he could.
"Damn you Cherry!!!!" Hudson reached the Jeep only to see the honey barrel rock and tip over, hitting the side of the Jeep.
Cherry climbed on top of the barrel, teetering over the side of the Jeep, and was continued trying to open the barrel.
The monk looked up at Hudson just standing there next to the driver's side, looking stunned.
"Mr. Occupier! Mr. Bigot! Honey for us all!" Cherry slobbered as he stood up and promptly caused the rest of the barrel to tip over out of the Jeep.
CLANG! SPLASH!
"'Tis Fate!"
(RP OFF)
-
<Parias>
(RP ON)
Shutaro was still pacing back and forth. Shingo watched from his seat as the indentation in the floor continued to grow deeper. Discarded utensils and drink containers littered the floor. Apart from the soft sound of Shutaro's boots marching back and forth through the room, it was absolutely quiet, to the point where one could hear a pin drop.
Suddenly, Shutaro broke the silence by snapping his fingers. "I've got it!"
Shingo's head shifted up from it's near-asleep position in eagerness. "What?"
"Well, Hudson is a very attractive person, correct?"
Shingo blinked. "Well, uh, I wouldn't know Shutaro...."
"Shut up! I didn't mean it THAT way. But my dear sister finds him so attractive, so imagine what others would think of him!"
"......What are you saying?"
Shutaro began snickering. "Hee hee, it's brilliant! YES! This will do it once and for all! HAHAHAAHAH!" Shutaro became serious for a moment. "But I'll have to be fast, before he wakes up...."
Before Shingo could inquire further, Shutaro was already out the door and sprinting down the hallway. Confused, Shingo followed.
(RP OFF)
-
<Jocko>
(RP ON)
Sakura sat completely still for a moment. She spoke, "it doesn't matter how many times I hear the damn story, I'm still ashamed at my family..."
"Oh come on Nurse Sakura," Terra snorted. "Everyone has a black sheep in their family-"
"No, no, no Terra!" Sakura's expression become exasperated, "it's practically a trait in the male side!"
"Well," Ryouko took a sip of tea, "you should be happy that Cherry is a monk."
Cherry, opening another bag of potato chips, chomped down on some and said, "anyways, continuing..." for once seeming to sidestep a chance to annoy his Shinto Priestess niece.
***
Hudson wasted no time in running over to the other side of the Jeep, he only wasted half a second looking at the smashed-down guard rail before jumping into the Tomobiki River after Cherry.
SPLASH!
Upon surfacing and looking around, Hudson was greeting with the sight of Cherry on the, thankfully, floating and mostly undamaged honey barrel of steel.
"Mr. Occupier!" Cherry squealed, still holding the jack in his hand.
Hudson held his anger in check until he was on the honey barrel with Cherry.
Once on the barrel, Hudson let loose with a nice punch to Cherry's jaw, stunning the monk and flattening him on the barrel.
"YOU SON OF A BITCH!" Hudson screamed, "LOOK AT THE TROUBLE YOU'VE CAUSED!!!" Warren picked up Cherry by the collar and forced him to look at their surroundings.
Hudson calmed down somewhat, "We are currently in the river all because you can't keep your goddamned hands off any opportunity for a free snack! Shit, I wonder sometimes if you'd have anything against stealing candy from a baby!"
Cherry smirked; his only real way of admitting wrong doing. "Hudson-sama, we seem to be drifting away from the bridge."
"Wha-?" Hudson looked back to the bridge. Yes, there was Gatewood looking back at him.
"Do you think he's going to help us?" Cherry asked.
Hudson ignored the monk; raised his voice as loud as he could, "Gatewood! Go to the check point and tell them I need a Navy patrol boat, on the double!"
Gatewood, getting smaller as the current got a little faster, nodded and began running.
Hudson dropped Cherry to the barrel. "You little freeloader," Hudson muttered, "why do you always cause trouble in this town?!?"
Not realizing what Hudson had invited to be said, Cherry took the initiative.
"FATE!!!"
"Why do I have the feeling I'm going to be telling this to a shrink when I'm forty-five?"
(RP OFF)
-
<Jocko>
RP ON)
Sakura cast a glance at her Uncle, "A Navy patrol boat? I never heard this part..."
Ryouko giggled.
***
Hudson and Cherry sat at opposite ends of the barrel; not speaking.
The Tomobiki River was getting wider now, at the rate they were drifting, Cherry estimated about another hour before they reached Tokyo harbor.
"Hudson-sama, how long until your Navy's patrol boat arrives?"
For a moment, Hudson held his silence. Then, "assuming Gatewood doesn't want to spend the rest of his tour in the brig...I'd say about thirty to forty-five minutes."
"And if Gatewood-sama wants to spend the rest of his tour in the brig?" Cherry kicked the water in a hang dog manner.
"A fishing boat will help us, or we can just ditch the barrel and swim," Hudson shrugged.
Cherry shuddered at the thought, looked back down at the wonderful honey barrel beneath them, and the water...at the shore only two or three hundred feet to either side of them...
The monk heaved a heavy sigh, "Hudson-sama, I am responsible for the spiritual welfare of all who live in Tomobiki-Cho...why do you insist on living like you do?"
(RP OFF)
-
<Parias>
(RP ON)
"Shutaro?"
"What? What is it?"
"Uh... two questions.. why are we trying to break into one of your rooms, and why can't you get in already?"
"I told you already idiot, this is Ryouko's room! And she has all kinds of damn locking mechanisms installed on her doors.."
Shutaro struggled futily with the door knob for a few more seconds before pulling out a small, pin-like device and sticking it in the keyhole. He jiggled it for a moment, then withdrew it as the door made a clicking noise. He opened it a touch and, sticking his hand in, he carefully made sure there weren't any tripwires set to release the ever-reliable buckets of paint onto his head. Finding none, he cautiously opened the door.
"Shutaro, maybe we shouldn't......."
"SHH!" Shutaro hissed at Shingo. "Stay out here and keep an eye out." And with that, Shutaro dissappeared into the darkness of Ryouko's room. Shingo rolled his eyes and leaned against the wall.
After narrowly dodging the spring-up surprise he had planted much earlier in the day, Shutaro snuck over to the bed where Hudson was sleeping. He cackled quietly to himself as he saw Hudson roll into a particularly interesting position. He pulled out a small ultraviolet camera out of his pocket and quickly snapped a photo. It was too risky to use a normal flashbulb, and the image could easily be reconstructed and enhanced as necessary later. Still snickering, Shutaro spin around faster than was wise and started scurrying out of the room.
*CLANG!*
Shutaro rubbed his skull from the sudden unexpected obstacle in his way and frowned as he saw his spring-loaded surprise begin hurling bad insults at him. A small door opened on the pop-up puppet and a boxing glove came out end-first, as if offering it to him. He froze and held his breath.
"Nugga... wha?" murmured Hudson groggily, rolling over. Shutaro kicked the puppet in an attempt to get it to shut up, but to no avail. Out of options, he panicked and took off out the door. Shingo, surprised, rushed to follow him.
"What happened in there?"
"Shut up! Just shut up!" Shutaro seethed.
Back in Ryouko's room, Hudson sat up in his bed, wondering where the noise was coming from. He threw on a housecoat and switched on the lights, noticing with some annoyance that the door was open a crack. He bent down and examined the strange object which was pretending to be Shutaro and making quite the mockery of his parents. Allowing himself a small smile, Hudson retrieved the boxing glove and delivered a swift blow to the puppet's noggin, sending it smacking against the wall, silenced.
"Shutaro is getting wierder and wierder all the time. I don't think anyone else would've planted this.."
He turned to go back to bed, untill a small object on the floor caught his attention. He picked it up and examined it, curious. Determining that it was a camera, he set the item aside, resolving to check into it later. For now, however, he was damn tired. Hudson locked the door and crawled back into bed, quickly drifting off to sleep again.
(RP OFF)
-
<Jocko>
(RP ON)
Sakura, Terra, and Ryouko drew in closer to the monk as he grabbed another handfull of potato chips.
"And Hudson-sama said..." Cherry glanced around, "anyone got some dip?"
"Later," Ryouko said firmly, "after you finish the story, I'll see you get an entire barrel of dip!"
Cherry grinned with determination; a monk on a mission. "For Fate...and the dip!"
****
Hudson kicked the water again, "why do you want to know, Cherry?"
"Maybe I can help," Cherry offered.
Hudson chuckled dryly. "What? To blackmail me into letting you into the base mess hall at night?"
"No, Mr. Occupier, I really do want to help in anyway I can..."
Warren sighed, there were times when Cherry was serious and honest. This might be one of them.
"Well..." Hudson began.
(RP OFF)
-
<Parias>
(RP ON)
4:22 PM
Moroboshi Residence, Tomobiki.
"YEARRRRRRRRRRRRGH!"
Ataru covered his ears as another piercing scream floated in from the open window that led to his backyard. "Do they have to torture people so loudly?" he grumbled. "I'm trying to think here!" He continued listening in, despite his best efforts to avoid doing so.
"Where is my Ten-chan?!" yelled a female voice.
"I... I already told you... I was just there... to pick up.. my order! I had nothing to do with it!" replied a weary male voice. "I.. don't know what the hell you're talking about!"
BZZZZZZZZAP!
Ataru closed his eyes and sighed as the screaming resumed.
Meanwhile, in a closed tent set up in the Moroboshi backyard...
"Please! No more! All I heard about down there was about some kind of wierd package that went 'Ow!' whenever it was touched! That's all! Please, for the love of god, get her away from me!"
Lum was about to resume a barrage of energy, but the interrogator waved his arm and stepped forward. "And where did this package go?"
"How the hell should I know?! Ask her!" The man pointed his head towards the still unconscious woman lying nearby. "She's the one who wrapped the thing!"
"Interesting....." The interrogator turned to Lum. "That'll be all for now ma'am, we'll take it from here. The Colonel will advise you if we find anything."
After a brief scowl at the slightly singed man tied to the chair in front of her, Lum nodded and turned to walk out, just as the Colonel was walking in. They bumped and fell into a heap, with the larger and much heavier Colonel lying on top.
"Oh, uh, sorry.." he started.
"Get off of me!" Lum yelled. The Colonel looked down and noticed his large hand had landed on a most unfortunate location of Lum's upper torso. He quickly rolled off her and stood up, staring as she stomped away. The interrogator stared as the Colonel began chuckling.
"Heh heh heh..... HEY, what're you staring at? GET TO WORK!" he yelled, grabbing his mug (which had somehow avoided being spilt during the incident) and leaving the tent again.
(RP OFF)
-
<Jocko>
(RP ON)
"Is this where Hudson-sama explains where the scars on his back came from?" Ryouko asked, almost a whisper.
"No, my child," Cherry shook his head, "I already knew...he didn't tell me, but I knew and Hudson-sama did not resent my knowing."
***
"You know what I am, Cherry?" Warren asked as he watched the Tomobiki farmlands float by.
"Baka!" Cherry laughed.
Warren smiled sadly, "yes, that I am. But I'm also a fool. In fact, I'm the worst kind of fool. The kind who still knows and allows the pain of dreaming."
Both were silent for a moment, Hudson continued. "I honestly thought that I'd stop dreaming after all the time that's past..."
Cherry shuffled his feet, "what do you mean?"
"For years and years," Hudson sighed, "I believed if I just *survived*, day to day, I'd find myself in a place where I'd have a home...a wife...and no memory of my Uncle."
"That doesn't make you a fool, a cynic maybe, but not a fool."
Hudson kicked the water, laughed darkly, "But I still, sometimes, when I'm halfway between sleeping and wakefulness, I still have these dreams. They're romantic dreams, really..."
"She must have broken your heart bad," Cherry looked off into the distance.
"Yeah, she did, Cherry. In fact, she damn near destroyed it beyond repair. And I have doubts about those 'damn near' and 'beyond repair' parts," Warren sighed, "there are times I hope Jessica Daniels' is an unhappy war-bride bitch caring for three selfish fucked-up brats who aren't going to even care for her in her old age. Other times I sincerely wish I had never known her and just suffered in the darkness and silence...but I wonder if I could've survived my teenage years without the goal of her love, or my naive delusion of it..."
The monk nodded, "what are your dreams like, Hudson-sama? If you don't mind my asking..."
Hudson looked up at the clear sky above, "they're feelings, Cherry. Feelings of love, lust, security, and comfort. Like a woman, yes...I know it's a woman, embracing me...only I can't see her."
(RP OFF)
-
<Parias>
(RP ON)
Back at Stormtrooper HQ (aka Megane's house), the group was staring at the package they had placed on the table intently, as if their sheer concentration could unveil the deep secrets within. As of the present, the package wasn't doing much except making noises that vaguely resembled snoring.
"This has got to be the strangest present I've ever seen!"
"What do you think it is anyways? Maybe some kind of animal?"
"If it's some kind of animal, maybe we should open up the package and give it some food! It's probably starving...."
Megane walked back into the room, arms full of various suger-infested foodstuffs. He tossed them at his guests and sat down, sighing.
"No! I spent the majority of my savings on getting this package wrapped, do you want to undo that now and waste all of that good money?"
"But Megane, what did you wrap inside of it anyways?"
"I told you already, I don't know!"
"But if you don't know, how do you know that Ryouko will like it?" asked Chibi.
Megane stared at him coldly a moment, as if in deep, deep thought. The entire room went silent, save for a band of marines marching loudly up the road.
When they passed, Megane opened up the bag of chips he was carrying and started pigging out. The rest of the troopers followed suit. The T.V. was soon turned on, and nothing more was said for the next 3 hours.
(RP OFF)
-
<Jocko>
(RP ON)
Ryouko, Terra, and Sakura were silent as Cherry guzzled down another can of root beer and continued.
"Those are good dreams, Hudson-kun, you'd do yourself a service to listen to them more often."
"Maybe, but sometimes dreams are more dangerous than blind hope."
Cherry shook his head, "I don't think so. Dreams like that are a gift of Fate."
Hudson sighed, "perhaps you're right, but I haven't met this woman yet, and I sometimes doubt if she's even real. Or could be real."
Cherry smiled, "you know, sometimes it's necessary to *make* your dreams come true."
"I tried that in Europe a few times," Hudson said, "I meet a few women and we had fun together, of course I had to pay...but we both greatly enjoyed it."
"They weren't what you were looking for?"
"At that point in my life, it was," Warren laughed.
"Why not seek a companion here, Hudson-kun?" the monk asked seriously.
"And give the brass the final excuse they need to send me packing? No Cherry, Tomobiki-Cho is more important than my loneliness."
Twenty minutes later the duo and the honey barrel were rescued by a Navy Patrol Boat.
The honey barrel arrived at the Mendou Family celebration on time, albeit dented and smelling odd.
The next day, the major newspapers in the free world had on their front pages a picture of two people on an odd looking steel canister sailing down a river near Tokyo Japan.
The American military tried it's best to stop the photo from circulating, but just when they thought their job was done, there it was on the New York Times.
***
"And so," Cherry said, "thus ends the Saga of the Mendou Family Honey Barrel."
Terra and Ryouko looked at Cherry for a moment, before bursting out laughing.
"I bet Hudson's pride was hurt by that photo getting out," Terra laughed some more.
"Actually," Cherry said, "popular history says he was the one who circulated it to various news agencies around the world."
Sakura groaned, "all right, let's get this over with," she grabbed the old Sorceress book, cracking it open and sneezing as a cloud of dust sprang from it's pages.
(RP OFF)
-
<Parias>
(RP ON)
Opening the door to his janitorial "office" with the grace of a thousand dead hens while nursing the bump on his forehead, Boris the school janitor sighed. Not only was he cursed with perhaps one of the smallest broom closets this side of the known universe (which happened to crudely double as his only available workspace in the school) inside of a building located in a town widely known for having the most wierdest crap going down constantly, but he was also cursed with something far worse: other people. The Russian janitor had never gotten along well with others, and the often mentally impaired kids running around often forced him to the brink of insanity. Never mind the harsh work times, low pay, and insane number of messes to clean up. And he could generally pin the source of all his troubles on one person: Moroboshi.
As Boris gingerly placed "Dmitri", the only companion he had in this crazy world (and an extremely efficient dirt sweeper at that) into it's dedicated spot on the tool rack, he closed the door and turned around, suddenly letting out a loud yell of surprise. Somehow, without his notice, a large number of mean looking soldiers had surrounded his small outpost of the damned, weapons pointed in his direction. The largest one in front, smoking a cigar, jammed his face towards Boris untill they were touching noses.
"Alright sicko, we heard on good terms that there was some kinda hidden kidnapping deal going down at the school. Now, a lowly Russian janitor working in this little Japanese town wouldn't happen to know much about it, would he?" The large man changed his expression, as if deep in thought. "Hey, I don't pretend to know much about your culture, but aren't you a bit far from home?"
Boris, utterly lost for words, could only stammer. "B-b-b-b-b-"
"What? WHAT? Spit it out!"
"B-b-b-Boris admit it! Boris beeeg Russian sp-"
A loud clanging came from behind him as a mop suddenly toppled over inside of the closet, followed by more clanging as the carefully set up system of tool organization all came crashing down. Of course, to the well trained ears of the Oni special ops force, this was something much, much more dangerous.
"HE'S GOT A MONSTER IN THERE!" yelled out one soldier. "OH MY GOD!" yelled another. A third wet his pants on the spot.
The Colonel, seeing the clear panic and confusion in the eyes of his men knew that the situation was rapidly spiraling out of control. He had to act. Striking a strong pose, he turned to his troops, and bellowed.
"OPEN FIRE!!!!!!"
The elite platoon immediately complied, unloading every spare shell, mortar, gas cannister, and plasma bolt towards the offending noise possible. When the noise stopped, 5 minutes later, nothing but a large hole and pieces of a broom remained. Boris stood, frozen in terror and buried to the hips in dirt, dust and fallen concrete, as was the Sergeant, who simply lifted his hand up, removed his cigar from his mouth, tapped it a couple of times, and replaced it. He looked to his left as a door opened down the hall.
"Excuse me." said Ryouko, quietly. "Could you please keep it down?" She walked back into the room and closed the door behind her, locking it.
"Lets go boys." muttered the Colonel. A few minutes later, as the final soldier marched smartly out the door, Boris coughed and fainted, jarring loose a final particularly large piece of wall tiling which landed neatly on his head.
(RP OFF)
-
<Jocko>
(RP ON)
Ryouko locked the door behind her.
"What the hell was that about?" Terra asked.
"Oh," Ryouko hummed, "just Oni special forces getting ready for the party, I suppose..."
"Ah," Terra nodded.
"Continuing..." Sakura intoned as she looked at the old tome, before being distracted by Cherry munching on a cookie.
Suddenly, an idea entered the three lady's minds.
_____
The door to the Infirmary closed and locked as Cherry merrily sauntered past the remains of Boris' closet and towards the front entrance.
"Hehehehe," the old monk chortled , "5,000 yen!"
Back inside, now liberated of Cherry's intruding presence, the three women sat around Sakura's desk and gazed in silence at a full page painting of a man and a woman copulating.
Ryouko giggled, "what's the caption read, Sakura-sensei?"
It took Sakura a moment to find her voice, "It says, 'The Honorable Sorceress Mathilda and her devout husband Frederick Heinrich...a humble tradesman and noble protector...A.D. 709.'"
Terra leaned forward, "that's her cloak they're both enveloped in, correct?"
"Yes," Sakura nodded slowly.
"And...," Ryouko whispered, "his eyes are closed, while she's...watching him."
"Yet they both seem so...perfect," Terra smirked.
"That's their way," Sakura said, "he's given himself to her...to serve her as she sees fit."
(RP OFF)
-
<Parias>
(RP ON)
A young businessman wearing a fine suit and, oddly enough, a large cowboy hat, stooped over the news stand as he rummaged through the papers for the day, making a selection. He was interrupted as a passer-by tapped him on the shoulder. He grumbled.
"Excuse me sir, but...."
"Yes, what?"
"Did you know that you have a small cloaked man sitting on top of your hat?"
The business man raised his eyebrow.
"No, I was not aware of that. Thank you."
The passer-by shrugged and continued on his way. After throwing a shrewd look over his shoulder, the businessman went back to rummaging through the paper stand.
At a slightly higher altitude, the cloaked, shadowy figure in question let loose a sigh of relief. "These people wouldn't recognize an invasion if it shot them in the eye." he muttered, leaping from the large hat to the safety of a conveniently placed roof as the businessman walked nearby. From his new vantage point, he scoped around the immediate area, for at least the 40th time that day.
"....Damn.. where could that green-haired kid have gotten to?"
He sighed and hopped away again to secure yet another high area. It just figured that the hand-held scanner he had been equipped with dried out it's micro-fusion battery cells mere seconds after his transport left communications range..... he resolved to screw the damn zero-point and ensure it was fully charged the next time he prepped for a mission.
(RP OFF)
-
<Jocko>
(RP ON)
Megane's House...
During a commercial break, Megane proceeded to the downstairs bathroom.
Anticipating a five minute maximum time window he turned around, unzipped and dropped his pants, and started to set his ass down on the seat.
Unfortunately, something happened that even he was at a loss to explain...
Instead of the occasional situation of the seat being left up, the entire toilet was gone. And here Megane was sitting in an awkward position over a plastic covering on the sewer line.
After getting to his feet, and making sure to quickly pull up his pants and steel his bowels for a quick run upstairs in a minute, Megane opened the door and ran out into the living room.
"WHERE THE @#%$ IS MY TOILET?!?!"
The three other Stormtroopers were startled; Megane had never used language like this in front of them before.
"Uh," Chibi offered, "if you're wondering about the toilet, Perm suggested we should give Ryouko-sama something to go with...whatever you picked out, and Kakugari suggested a blender, but what would Mendou-sama do with a blender, we thought? So I decided it should be something that she would remember forever and always as coming from us. At first, we thought we'd just give Ryouko-sama the seat and cover, but we couldn't get it off..."
"And..." Kakugari added sheepishly, "we forgot to tell you. In fact we forgot all about it until just now."
"Sorry, Megane," Perm looked down at his feet, "I was the one who was supposed to tell you."
Megane blinked, "we'll discuss this later." The Stromtroopers' leader turned and beat a hasty retreat up the stairs for his parent's bathroom.
***
Sakura turned the page, smirked, then blushed almost imperceptively (sp?). 'I better make sure...' Sakura thought.
"Ryouko," Sakura nodded down to the ancient wall painting from the later Roman Empire...somewhere around 350 AD. "You do know you can get pregnant even from *one* drop of semen..."
Both Terra and Ryouko blinked in disbelief.
"Sakura-sensei," Ryouko smiled, "it's relatively common knowledge."
"How old were you when you found that one out?" Terra addressed Sakura with hardly supressed mirth.
Sakura sniffed indignantly, "I am merely making sure she doesn't mess up her life in this foolhardy venture."
Terra cocked an eye at the school nurse. "Excuse me, 'mess up her life'? How? By getting pregnant? If you trust your instincts you would know just by looking at him Hudson would marry her in an instant...and it's not like she's poor!"
Ryouko laughed, "Terra dear, by the religion that Warren-kun adheres to, his soul belongs to me the instant I bring him to orgasm."
"Really?" Terra blinked.
"Yes, really!" Sakura shouted, seeming a bit angry, "and I hope you have an idea what you're getting yourself into."
"What?" Ryouko asked, "this?" she pointed to the painting in the book of a nude sorceress giving a young man oral sex in a pastoral paradise. Quite messily, too.
Sakura looked at Ryouko for a moment. "Do you really want him to be your husband? Commiting yourself to this one man until he dies or you both decide to allow other people into your relationship?"
Ryouko nodded, with an amount of certainty and finality that shocked Terra and Sakura. "Yes, Sakura-sensei. He's the man I've waited my entire life for. I've known for years that destiny had selected Warren Hudson for something that involved me, and me alone."
"Has *he* known that?" Sakura asked.
"You should know, Sakura-sensei," Ryouko smiled, "you've read him yourself."
Sakura sighed with defeat. "Yes...but whenever I stood next to him and looked at him, I always just assumed the 'theatrical' woman he'd walk with next would be just a bit closer to his age."
"In some cases," Terra stated, "age is merely relative."
Sakura looked back down at the book, "back to this..." she blushed a bit, "Ryouko, be careful with your teeth, and if you don't feel comfortable with deep throating...then don't try it! If you don't want to swallow, then don't even if it's for his benefit. If he's into that sort of thing, that is..."
"Thank you for the advice, Sakura-sensei," Ryouko smiled wickedly, "but I want to do all those things with him. And yes, I am taking precautions against pregnancy and Warren-kun is clean as a whistle."
Sakura nodded reluctantly, and turned the page.
All three women were momentarily stunned by the next painting.
A young man with sword in hand was defending an older pregnant woman as she made her way across a river on a stepping stone bridge ahead of him. The woman, identified in the caption as an "unknown Sorceress of unknown rank," had an arrow sticking out of her left leg. The ages old image of the young man was palpable in it's anger, it's fear, and it's injury. Eventhough the painter didn't show the couple's assailants, it was quite obvious that they were outnumbered.
The date read "Massachusetts Bay Colony - 1650" and the title was "Failed Escape to Rhode Island."
(RP OFF)
-
<Jocko>
RP ON)
After some more discussion, Sakura and Terra agreed there was nothing more that Ryouko needed to know about sex, except...
"If you don't feel comfortable going through with it, just tell Hudson no, and he'll understand."
Ryouko threw them both a look, but said nothing.
"And..." Sakura sighed, "I wish you two the best in all things."
Terra smiled at this, "I can't wait to tease him!"
Ryouko shot another, sharper look at Terra.
"Just kidding."
With that, Ryouko left the Nurse's office and found a Kuroko limo waiting to take her back home. A happy smile on her face.
***
Megane was pacing his living room trying to figure out how to get his family's downstairs toilet back before his parent's noticed. That is what he was doing.
What the other three Stormtroopers were doing was sitting watching Gundam.
"Megane," Perm offered, "look...we'll pitch in to buy a new toilet, all right?"
"Installation, too?" Megane asked.
"Sure, I guess," Perm shrugged.
"Fair enough, just don't go cheap on me, oh my brothers!" Megane grinned.
Chibi turned to Kakugari, "why does he always talk like that damn British movie?"
Kakugari didn't answer.
Megane sat down, "but your compensation of my family's toilet doesn't make the problem go away. How are you three going to explain to Ryouko-sama that you thought a used toilet would be a good gift for a Lady of such exquisite grace?"
Kakugari gave an exasperated glare, "Damn't, we couldn't have just given her that...that, uh, thing you snatched from Lum-chan's closet!"
"Yes we could have, Kakugari!"
Chibi, ever the peacemaker, "we'll just say it was a mistake...of some sort, get on our knees and beg forgiveness!"
Megane calmed down, "next time, take it from me. Toilets weren't meant to be given as gifts, except by stupid husbands for their wives birthdays."
"I thought that was home appliances," Perm said.
"Same difference."
(RP OFF)
-
<Parias>
(RP ON)
"I have a problem, Colonel."
"Yes, I can see that, ma'am.."
"I have a son, whom I cannot contact, because he has been 'unavailable' for the past few days. And, despite the efforts of our most elite, highest paid mobile forces, my son REMAINS 'unavailable' even as I speak!"
"We're doing our best-"
"Well, your best obviously isn't good enough now, IS IT? I want my son found, and I want him found NOW!"
Colonel Ramsay winced as the speakers on the small radio set crackled while processing the loud screaming on the other end, then suddenly burst into static as the transmission cut. He had always heard that Ten's mother was difficult to converse with when under stress. He calmly turned the unit off and sighed.
"Bitch."
Hearing a small commotion outside, he turned and exited the command tent, where he was met with the site of a large number of police vehicles surrounding the Moroboshi household. Three officers had come around back and were conversing with one of his Lieutenants.
"Please, we must speak with the man in charge here" stated the lead officer, slightly agitated.
"As I've already said, the Colonel is a very busy man, and he'll be with you momentarily."
"That's alright, Lieutenant." Colonel Ramsay said flatly. "I'm right here. What can I do for you boys? Got any information on that kid fer us?"
The policeman raised an eyebrow.
"Sir, I've heard numerous stories about this 'kid' everyone is speaking of, and I assure you that I personally, nor anybody under my command has ever seen this child. But that isn't the point. We've recieved numerous complaints citing mass destruction, hostage taking, and disruption of the peace in general. We've come to request that you stop, and to write you up some fines."
The Colonel let loose a low gutteral growl.
"Now you listen to me, boy. This here's a military operation that we're runnin' here! In case that was too complicated for your feeble mind to process, let me put it into simplier words. WE run the show around here. WE take care of the kid problem, WE use whatever means necessary to ensure the completion of our mission! And if that means that we need to run over some poor old guy's grass with an APC or make a little bit of noise, then that's just what we'll DO!"
The Colonel leaned in close to the young policeman's face and puffed on his cigar, causing the officer to erupt into a small coughing fit.
"DO-I-MAKE-MYSELF-CLEAR?!" he suddenly screamed, sending the young man sprawling over backwards. The other two police officers, fearful and unsure of what to do pulled out their weapons and pointed them at the Colonel. The resulting counter-effect was immediate,and the noise of over one hundred assault rifles all being pointed in the two officers' general direction and having their safeties clacked off was nearly defeaning. The Colonel stood straight up and chuckled.
"Don't get in our way gentlemen, and we won't get in yours. Got it?"
The policemen didn't bother with a response, but simply scrambled back to the safety of their vehicles and drove off as fast as they could. The remaining policemen in front of the house followed suit.
"I really hate this town" he muttered."
---
As Ryouko departed the school, Terra also turned to go.
"One moment, Terra."
Terra turned to Sakura, who was staring at her intently.
"Hmm?"
"You obviously came by here for a reason other than giving our poor janitor a very large headache. What did you need?"
"Oh, uh... well, it's nothing really, but earlier today I noticed two slightly strange things occur.. one, I somehow found myself in a different part of town than I recalled being in, simply out of the blue, and two, I couldn't remember the last 20 minutes that had happened. Maybe I got distracted or something, I dunno. It unnerved me a little bit earlier, but I'm not too worried about it now."
Sakura considered a moment.
"Hmm, most odd.. under the circumstances, however, I'd simply put it down to lack of sleep. Go get some rest."
Terra glanced out the window. The sun was still in the sky, but it was starting to linger close to the horizon.
"I guess hitting the sack early might be an idea.. besides, I could use the rest, what with the big party tomorrow..."
She paused a moment, as if considering something, then shrugged. "Eh, anyways, I won't keep you anymore. Thanks for the tip... and the interesting imagery. Remind me to steal that book off of you later." Winking, Terra stepped out the door, closing it softly behind her.
As she walked down the hallway, she briefly surveyed the damage scene that covered a good chunk of the school. Boris was there chatting with a police officer and looking extremely tired. As Terra passed, Boris suddenly turned and jabbed a finger at her, screaming.
"THERE! THERE! She's the one who started it all!"
Smiling and waving, Terra walked merrily past, ignoring the policeman's polite requests to stop.
"Poor guy" she chuckled, stepping through the doors and outside, subconsciously veering towards the little "safehouse" she had downtown where her private collection of assorted weaponry was stored.
(RP OFF)
-
<parias>
Heh, just a cautionary note to anyone who's following up to this point.. around here is where the story takes a bit of a turn for the hentai, so if you're squeamish about this sort of thing, well.. you've been warned ;)
-
<Jocko>
(RP ON)
As Ryouko was leaving Sakura's office, things were beginning to happen, all right.
It was mid-afternoon when Warren woke. He looked around and blinked at the sun shining in the window, he grimaced and sat up in the bed--and got a slight whiff of what he must smell like.
"Damn..." he chuckled, "I'd better get ready." When the thought of exactly *what* he was about to get ready for reasserted itself in his awareness, he blushed.
Of course, the thought of what would soon be taking place in the bed where he was sleeping was in Warren's dreams. Hudson sighed as he threw back the comforter, and swung his feet onto the floor. He looked down at his semi-erect penis and sighed.
He stood and looked back at the bed, realizing that it wasn't exactly fit for him to take Ryouko's virginity on. This thought caused his penis to stiffen more. But Hudson was also thinking more about the magnitude of what would be happening.
'She wants me,' he thought, 'she loves me, she wishes me to take my place at her side,' he smiled. Ryouko understood the complexities of the situation, yes, but Warren resolved to make sure.
In the mean time, Hudson resisted the urge to even touch himself as he wrote a note for Ryouko and picked up the phone and dialed Kuroko housekeeping, giving the code word for them to quickly clean up. With that done, he retreated into the bathroom for a long shower and shave.
***
Ryouko arrived back in her room not too soon after to find her bed clean, made, ready and a Kuroko report that Shutaro's attentions were being diverted. She smiled, reading Warren's note:
"As you no doubt can hear, I'm taking a shower to make myself presentable for you, my Princess."
He was right, Ryouko sat at the foot of her bed, listening for a moment. She imagines Warren standing in her big shower, she imagined him naked. Suddenly, she remembered several pictures from the book...
...the book she had forgotten about in Nurse Sakura's office. "Oh dear..." she shrugged. There were worse places she could have left it, a lot worse.
Continuing her train of thought, Ryouko remembered a simple painting of a sorceress bathing her husband, and preparing to make love to him. Almost, Ryouko went over to the bathroom door to ask Warren if he needed help...
Ryouko laughed, shaking her head. Plenty of time for long romantic baths and showers later. For now, she had work to do. She went over to her walk-in closet and stood in front of the mirror as she removed her clothes.
Soon, she stood in her bra and panties. She smiled at her image, wondering if this is how she should present herself to Warren. She had a lot of choices, there was one of her normal night gowns which she knew Warren found quite attractive. There was always just her bra and panties, as she was now. Ryouko turned, admiring her body in the silk, embroidered undergarments.
Still...the image of her in her normal intimate attire didn't strike her as what was needed for their...bonding. Same thing with just being nude. 'I want something that won't make him feel like a filthy old man while awakening the virile warrior within,' she pondered. 'I want him...' she smiled lustily at her reflection, allowing her hand to rest on her panties. 'I want to see him hard in front of me, I want to see him come on me...' Ryouko licked her lips slightly, 'I want him to be mine forever and ever.'
Ryouko stopped, not frightened or shocked in the least at her thoughts. 'Mine...' she thought, 'my love, my husband, my protector, my needy charge.'
She looked at some dresses on hangers. Some of her fantasies with Hudson concerned the party dress she had been wearing on the night they first met months ago. The fantasy where Warren was taking her from behind, her skirt up, her panties pushed to the side. Still, there was always the school uniform she kept for no particular reason. But...Ryouko reasoned, playing Teacher and Student with Warren could wait.
Which brought Ryouko's attention to a sheer, see-through, creamy white silk gown that gathered nicely at the neck. One word could describe it; gossamer. Ryouko put it on and gazed at her reflection critically, deciding that it needed one final touch...
She reached back and unclasped her bra, letting it fall to the floor. Her small breasts contrasted nicely with the silk, making her nipples sensitive to the touch. Ryouko smiled once more, wondering how Warren will enjoy them for the first time.
Having made the decision that she liked keeping her panties on for now, Ryouko quickly put all her other clothing choices away, and awaited Warren finishing his shower and freshening up. This didn't take long, as she soon heard the shower being shut off.
(RP OFF)
-
<Parias>
(RP ON)
Shutaro growled loudly as he re-read the letter now clutched in his hand. The servant who had handed it to him quivered slightly in concern.
My Lady,
The diversionary measures you requested have been implemented. As you have specified, Shutaro Mendou will not be anywhere near the park at the center of Tomobiki for the duration of time you spoke of. Full privacy is ensured. We will stay on top of the situation, so as both yourself and Mr. Hudson may enjoy your time together this evening in peace.
Jackson Steph
Kuroko Devision
Shutaro continued growling, a firey inferno slowly building up inside of him. Just when the servant was about to run for cover, he suddenly started laughing psychotically. He threw the letter over his shoulder and straightened his composure, turning to the servant.
"Excellent work, ensure the man who intercepted this letter gets a healthy bonus. Tonight, I march!"
With that, Shutaro charged out of the Mendou Operations Center, cell-phone in hand and ready to speed-dial all of the local military forces. He stopped suddenly as a thought occured to him.
"Hmm.. perhaps a more stealthy approach would prove useful here. If I can catch Hudson red-handed in the act, then a small amount of photo editing could make it appear..... YES! Hudson will be shamed out of the city for sure! No, no.. not just the city, the entire country! Gya hahaha!"
As a cackling Shutaro continued down the hallway, a Kuroko watched from the shadows. He smiled and switched on his radio.
"Black 16 to Mother Hen, the Big Pudding has taken the bait. I say again, the Big Pudding has taken the bait. Commence operation 'Wild Goose Chase' in approximately thirty minutes. Out."
The Kuroko put his radio away and continued tailing Shutaro as he departed the building and took off for the park downtown.
(RP OFF)
-
<Jocko>
(RP ON)
Ryouko watched as Warren exited the bathroom and advanced some steps forward. He stopped, smiling fondly at what his eyes told him that, yes, Ryouko was wearing *that.*
Before Warren could speak, Ryouko stepped forward. Carefully, she began to speak, trying to remember the words in their proper language. "Warren Hudson," she spoke in English, her tongue delicately forming the words, "you have labored long since your Sorceress...passing," she stumbled a bit here, "and your heart is a wounded one."
Warren blinked, feeling the beginning of tears. Ryouko...loved him this much, to do this for him? It was as if the realization had just hit him. Hit him hard. Still, instead of making his erection subside, it stayed rigid and jutting from his crotch.
Ryouko looked down, concentrating on her next words, "I know I cannot replace Sorceress Lucilla," she raised her eyes to his, "I only wish to help you heal, my knight."
Warren felt a tear drop roll down his face. In Japanese, he responded, "I accept your love, Ryouko-chan. Please accept mine?"
Ryouko smirked, "I accept," now speaking in her native tongue again.
With that finished, Warren returned his roving gaze to the splendor that was Ryouko. Ryouko smiled at the appreciative looks she was receiving, and swiveled on one foot for his benefit.
After Warren's eyes had taken in the wonderful sights of Ryouko's small but perfectly rounded breasts incased in silk...so wonderfully displayed in that sheer gauze of creamy white. That's not to mention Ryouko's panties. Simple white embroidered silk, elegant, high-class, but never gaudy with a little white bow at the top. Ryouko also took care to wear one of her favorite blue bows in her hair. By this point, Warren was beginning to notice that Ryouko's nipples were starting to look very inviting.
He found his voice, "you...you look like a Love Goddess, Ryouko-chan."
"And you," she replied mischeviously, "are visibly hard as a rock, my knight."
Warren nodded, "we should discuss some things first," he reasoned.
"What?" Ryouko shrugged, "I'm on the pill, you're clean, you're so excited I wonder if you are not about to burst, and *I'm* almost already," she licked her lips.
Warren looked down at himself, sighed. "It's important."
"All right," she smiled, "whatever it is, we'll get through it together."
Warren looked at her, smiled, then blushed a nice light shade of crimson. "Before I get too close to you to stop, I need to make sure that you know that...all husbands of Sorceress' have the amount of semen they ejaculate enhanced by her...bonding techniques."
Ryouko nodded, knowing something of this.
"It's a bit like the Tantric exercise of separating male orgasm from ejaculation," Warren blushed a bit more, "except it does the reverse...increasing sensation, sperm count, and amount of semen ejaculated by..." Warren bit his lower lip in thought, "two to three times."
Ryouko blinked, "I see. In order to increase the chances of pregnancy?"
"Yes, it's not reversible," he said with finality. "I just felt you should know beforehand."
Ryouko smiled, "It seems I've got quite a catch."
Warren, despite his worries, laughed. With an effort, he steadied his voice. "One other thing."
Ryouko waited.
Warren motioned to himself and to her. "I'm so much bigger than you, Ryouko-chan." He sighed, his worry evident, "if I were to ever hurt you just trying to satisfy my lust, I'd never forgive myself."
Ryouko shook her head, smiled. 'My needy charge,' she thought lovingly. "Warren, it'll be all right. You've seen me fight before, haven't you?"
Warren smiled, "I always like it when you kick ass."
"So do I," she turned around for him again, "I'm not fragile, Warren. I won't break," she was right, Warren observed, Ryouko was in top physical condition for a young woman whose weight was less than half his, and whose head would rest nicely on his chest in the night.
"Still," Warren said, "you can always be on top," he smiled an ecchi grin, "and on my lap."
Ryouko shook her head, "I want you to take me like a bride, Warren-kun," she smiled, adding: "I love you."
"I love you, too," he smiled back.
"And now..." Ryouko pointed to Warren's still-hard erection. "We really should do something about that."
(RP OFF)
-
<Jocko>
(RP ON)
Silently, they drew closer to each other. They hugged. Warren letting Ryouko's rest her head on his muscular chest as he gently patted her silk covered bottom through the gown. For a moment that's how they were, embracing, getting the feel for the other. Warren gently buried his face in Ryouko's hair, once again finding himself intoxicated by its scent. He kissed her ear lightly, all the while reminding himself that, yes, those were her nipples poking into his stomach.
There was another significant thing happening, Warren's erection continued unabated by this tender display. Firmly it was drawn up and resting across Ryouko's abdomen where Warren was getting very enjoyable sensations from the filmsy gauze of the gown and Ryouko's skin. Ryouko was enjoying this as well, slowly she began to trail kisses across Warren's chest and shoulders.
Warren gazed down into her eyes, "I am at your service, my Love Goddess."
"Aren't Goddess' supposed to be inviolate?" she smirked.
Warren shook his head from side to side, "not in my religion. Worship, love, lust, and loyalty are all practically the same things," he leaned down and kissed her forehead, "a faithful believer," her nose, "is one who does his Goddess' bidding, prays to her, and wants to @#%$ her really bad," he kissed her on the lips, his tongue slipping in. Ryouko responded, their tongues dueling for a moment.
His erection bored into her abdomen some more, causing Warren to step back a bit, they didn't break the kiss. When they did break the kiss, Warren smiled. "How shall we start?"
Ryouko looked down at where his erection had rested on the gown. Yes...those were damp spots. She grinned, looking even closer at Warren's penis. "My...Warren-kun, you're almost dripping."
Warren glanced down, allowing himself to gently reach down and handle his aching member for a moment. His fingers were soon covered with pre-seminal fluid. "Don't be alarmed," Warren smiled, "I produce a lot of that, too. It'll make things more smoother, I promise."
"Definitely won't need lubricant," Ryouko commented, licking her lips. She forced her eyes away from Warren's gently pulsating erection and gazed directly into his eyes. "I'd like it if we *checked* each other out, as it were. I closely inspect you, and then you inspect me. That is, of course, if you can wait," she motioned to his swollen manhood.
Warren looked down, "I give myself to your hands, Ryouko-chan," he smiled, "it's a pleasurable ache, one I haven't felt in years," he matched her pleased smile. "I can smell you, my love, and I know you're as ready as I am."
He was right, while Ryouko's panties were good at hiding her arousal, her musky scent was filling the scant space between them.
(RP OFF)
-
<Jocko>
(RP ON)
Warren decided to start. He started with gently taking Ryouko's hand and holding it in his. He released it, began to casually walk around her, his erection twitching back and forth. He smiled, touching her hair, closing in for kiss, giving that kiss, and finding himself looking down at her chest.
"They..." Ryouko frowned a bit, "are not too small, are they?" she blushed slightly.
Warren shook his head, "they're beautiful, Ryouko-chan," he reaches out, cupping her left breast through the gown. He squeezed gently, appreciating the moan this elicited from Ryouko. Warren let his fingers find her nipple, gently pinching. "Ah!" Ryouko gasped.
He smiled, "my Lady..." he started to fondle her with both hands, "they shall feel even better against my manhood later." For Ryouko's part, she thought she was about to ask--no, *demand* that Warren take her right then and there. Then he stopped, backing off a half-step with a slightly bemused look.
Ryouko recovered and casted him a look, "Just you wait."
Warren shrugged, causing his erection to sway invitingly for Ryouko's hands. "I find them very beautiful, Ryouko-chan," he smiled, "in fact I think I'd like to see them without the benefit of this," his hand gently handled the material of the gown. Ryouko nodded, obediently lifting her arms up. Slowly, but not agonizingly so, Warren lifted the material over Ryouko's head and casted it aside on the floor.
Warren took in the sight of her standing there, clad only in her panties. His mouth opened and closed before he could speak again. He smiled, walking around in back of her again and gently reoriented her so that she faced her mirror. His hands were soon kneading the two soft mounds of flesh as he started to gently trail kisses down the side of her neck. "My Princess," he moaned as his penis lightly brushed against her bottom.
"My...Knight," she said between moans as Warren's hands fondled her; his fingers rolling her hard nipples between them. "You're mine...all mine," she whispered, as if the reality had just dawned on her. She looked at her reflection in the mirror as Warren cupped her breasts and pinched her hard nipples, each time a bit harder. She also could see Warren's bobbing erection near her rear. Another thing was becoming more and more apparent to both of them.
"I'm thinking," Warren hummed as he kissed her hair more, "that now that your breasts have gotten me so hard," he gently let his right hand release her breast, "I should relieve you of your panties, Ryouko-chan."
"Haven't you already seen my panties enough?" Ryouko smiled at Warren in the mirror.
Warren chuckled, "I knew you were playing with me when you would leave your underwear and nighties in the bathroom."
Her hand found his, squeezed, "I only wanted you to have inspiration."
"I've...had all the inspiration I need since the first night I met you, Ryouko-chan," he returned the squeeze.
Ryouko smiled slyly, "such a hentai, Warren-kun."
He blushed, them both looking at their reflections peering back at them. "I masturbated to thoughts of you, Ryouko-chan, since then," he blushed.
"I thought you would have," she smiled, drawing his clasped hand up for a kiss.
Warren blushed even more, "I was...surprised when I called Shutaro's command center, and you intercepted that call."
"I felt it was the right thing to do," she smiled, a hint of sadness, "little did I know just what we were in for that day."
He hugged her tightly, "I shall do my best to serve you, Ryouko-chan."
"Now," Ryouko smiled, "let's get back to more pressing matters, hmm?"
"Ah," Warren looked down, finding his erection pressed stiffly against the small of her back. He stepped back a bit, painfully aware of his stiffness and the amount of pre-seminal fluid coating his manhood, and now her lower back.
"Now." Ryouko gazed at his blushing face in the mirror, "proceed, Knight. Or I might take you myself. Right now."
Warren nodded, letting his right hand continue its way down her flat stomach, and down onto her panties. The silk there was damp, and immediately as he began gently rubbing there Ryouko's breathing began to seem more like a pant. "They're so beautiful, Ryouko-chan," Hudson drawled, watching his hand move over her crotch in the mirror.
"I look forward to you using them properly, my hentai," she smiled amidst her passion, enjoying her new nickname for him more.
He looked up at her reflection, questioning.
"Yes, I want you to do that later, Warren-kun."
Warren smiled, masturbating with Ryouko's panties had been a daydream of his for a while now. The thought of him ejaculating all over that elegant embroidered silk that now was being caressed by the palm of his hand nearly sent him over the edge right then and there. But he rallied his defenses, told himself that never has Warren Hudson lost control, and moved his hand back up to the waistband of Ryouko's panties, and gently slipped it down there.
He sighed, feeling the warmth. "Ooooh," Ryouko cooed loudly. Gently, he began to work his fingers into her amidst her flowing honey. First one finger, then two, then three. All the while his thumb stimulating her clitoris. Warren smiled, satisfied at the reaction he was getting. He slowly removed his hand from her panties, much to Ryouko's disappointment.
Quickly, he hooked both of his thumbs in the waistband of her panties and drew them down. She stepped out of them, and turned to face him. She was beautiful, there was no other word to describe the sight before Warren's eyes. Her well-kept raven colored pubic hair was visibly soaked with her honey, her entrance clear in the curls of hair, and ready any second for him to take her virginity. Ryouko stood there, proudly baring everything before her chosen one. No trace of shame was on her face or in her bearing.
Warren decided it was time for a very special kiss to be given. Without a word he dropped to his knees, Ryouko watched him do this, a faint glitter in her almond dark eyes telling him she knew what the next step was. Ryouko stepped up close to him. Warren deeply inhaled the aroma of his woman. Warren, after getting an approving nod from Ryouko, began with a light chuckle. "This has always been my favorite part, believe it or not."
"Oh," Ryouko snorted in mock indifference, "right."
Hmm," Warren shrugged, looking up with his nose a scant few inches from her vagina, "you say one thing, Ryouko-chan, but I smell another," he winked.
A haughty look appeared on her face, "do your duty, Knight."
"Okay...but not too much, all right?" Warren said.
With an affirmative nod from Ryouko, Warren set his eyes back to her vagina. He maneuvered his head closer until he stopped and stuck his tongue out. His tongue lightly made contact with the stop of her slit, and slowly made it's progress downward. Warren sucked lightly, savoring her honey. Ryouko moaned loudly, closing her eyes and clenching her fists. Warren smiled inwardly at this response as he gently found her clitoris again with his fingers, and exposed that delicious nub for his tongue to savor.
Just as Ryouko felt her orgasm starting, Warren stopped. "All done!"
"Gah?" Ryouko's mouth hung open in the middle of a long, deep moan.
Warren backed off a bit, and stood up, his erection bobbing in lurid grace. "I've examined you, my love, now it is only fair for you to examine me."
Ryouko got a hold of herself, smiled. Various tortures and delights already forming in her mind. Warren stood before her, trying his best to appear as calm as if he was reading the morning paper. Ryouko started by slowly traipsing around him, giving her time to calm down.
(RP OFF)
-
<Jocko>
(RP ON)
Ryouko smiled, repeating the traipsing around the object of her affection and lust as Warren had done around her. She gently let her fingers slid across Warren's stomach, his arms, shoulders, still-damp hair, and down his back where she stopped. A half-frown appeared on her face.
Warren glanced down, "it's okay, Ryouko-chan," he said softly, "they don't hurt so much anymore."
She was looking at the scars on his back. Two small darker ones just to the left and right of his lower spinal column, and three longer slices of darker skin next to his beautiful warm complexion. Suddenly, Ryouko felt unsure of how to proceed. What was that he had just said, they didn't hurt so much anymore?
"Warren-kun," she said after a moment, "if it hurts in any way...please tell me."
Warren turned his head a bit to get a better look at Ryouko. "It's been so long I've felt someone give me a nice back-rub, my dear," he smiled, "I'd like that right now."
Ryouko smiled, happily obliging. Her hands neatly kneaded his shoulder blades, down his back to his buttocks. Ryouko smiled, enjoying her hands running through the sparse hair on Warren's back. When it came to forestation, Warren was moderately covered with hair, which was exactly to Ryouko's liking. For years, her fantasies resolved around man bigger than her, with warm features, strong arms, and neatly kept hair all over his body to keep her warm in the night.
"What a nice backside my love has," Ryouko whispered as both her hands lightly but firmly squeezed. Like every other part of him, his backside was well-muscled. Warren tensed in the sweetness of Ryouko's grasp. "As do you, my Princess," he smiled an ecchi grin at Ryouko's reflection in the mirror.
Ryouko moved out from behind Warren's rear and back in front of him. "Your jokes end here, Mr. Ambassador," she winked up at him before kneeling before him, getting up close and personal with his swollen member. She gazed at his six inches of manhood hanging less than another six inches from her face, rising and falling with her love's carefully controlled breath. She also took note of the moderate forestation of pubic hair; its shade slightly darker than Warren's other hair.
She gazed at his erection, lubrication completely coating it's head and shaft. Tentatively, Ryouko reached up with her index finger and lightly touched the head. Warren exhaled slowly, a slight moan escaping. Ryouko lifted her finger up and inspected it, watching the small film of pre-seminal fluid stick to her finger from Warren's tip. She gently touched it between her two fingers, finally raising it to her lips to take a taste.
As she thought, salty but sweet all at the same time. She gazed up at Warren, who gave her a comforting smile that could only barely conceal his arousal. She returned the smile, looking back down at his member, where another drop of sticky, creamy white dew had formed on the tip.
"Hmm," Ryouko looked up at Warren, "now you know why I wore that gown."
Warren reached out and gently caressed her hair, "Yes, I know..." he sighed lovingly and closed his eyes. Remembering Ryouko's panties and gown...indeed, colored just like semen. Warren tried to distance himself from such thoughts, knowing himself to be very close to just spraying himself all over her pretty face and hair.
Next she reached up with her right hand, and gently with her fingers touched the head of his swollen penis. "Ah..." Warren started just a bit as her fingers lightly touched the purple globe, soaked in its dew. Ryouko sighed, enjoy the warmth of his rod as she gently traced her fingers under the head, and down the shaft. Soon, her entire right hand was holding Warren, and her left hand was gently touching his balls. Ryouko started slow, allowing herself to get used to the hard and yet soft flesh in her hands.
For his part, Warren showed his support by happy sighs and caressing Ryouko's stunning raven hair and her back. As Ryouko grew more comfortable with the feel of her man's erection in her hand, she started to stroke him slowly and smoothly while her other hand gently rubbed his balls. Almost as soon as she started, Ryouko's ministrations were answered by a louder moan from Warren, and a healthy helping of pre-seminal fluid on her fingers. Ryouko quickened her strokes a bit, enjoying the result even more. Warren's back arched to her grasp, as if being drawn forward to her hand.
"Um..!" Warren whimpered, "Ryouko-chan..!"
She stopped, "yes, Warren-kun?"
He calmed himself for a moment, "I almost lost control there," a slight note of shame could be heard in his voice, "I promised my Princess to take her like a bride..."
Ryouko nodded, remembering. Yes, it was something she wanted. But as she looked up into his eyes, she could see the sweat prominent on his brow and the rest of his body. 'He must be in pain...' Ryouko thought, 'he needs to come, simple as that.' She smiled, "I'm already a bride, Warren-kun. If you need release, my love, I can provide it here and now. I cannot think of any better bridal veil," she winked.
Warren stood up straighter, "Thank you, Ryouko-chan, but I think I can make it."
"Warren...my next move was to give you...er," she blushed almost imperceptibly, "such an uncouth term for it."
"So don't use it if does not meet with your approval," he flashed his trademark grin. "My Lady's mouth is too sacred for uncouth words."
"Hmm," she raised an eyebrow, "is it sacred enough to suck on your erect penis?" she released his erection and balls, adjusting where she sat to better face his crotch.
"Anything of you is sacred enough to touch me," he answered sincerely.
Ryouko nodded, and focused her attention on his throbbing penis. Slowly, she exhaled before leaning forward, sticking her tongue out. As with her fingers before, her tongue connected with his erection. Head first, tongue gently probing the glands there, savoring the taste of his flesh and sticky fluids. She opened her mouth wider, trying to get Warren's knob into her mouth. Its girth proving a bit difficult to get past her lips. Warren, stunned by arousal, watched his love working so hard to get just the tip of his rod into her mouth. He almost orgasmed right then and there, but with the last thread of strength he held out.
Once his tip was tucked nicely in her mouth, Ryouko began swirling her tongue around it, creating simple sucking motions. Warren moaned softly, a word formed on his lips, "...wife."
Ryouko heard the word, gently let Warren drop out of her mouth with an audible pop, and beamed up at him radiantly. "Husband," she responded, only allowing him to respond with a small smile. She set back to her work, putting him back in her mouth, moving her head up and down slightly. The only sounds either of them could hear were the gentle slurp, slurp of Ryouko sucking and Warren's moans; which were growing more insistent.
After another minute of this, Warren spoke up. "Ryouko-chan!"
She knew what that tone of voice meant, and she let him pop out of her mouth again. He gazed straight ahead, calming his breathing. Warren was only just barely able to avoid orgasm. Barely.
Once Warren was sure he wouldn't come where he stood, he and Ryouko locked eyes. They both knew what was next. Warren reached out his hand, helping Ryouko to her feet. The couple now faced the bed, Warren noting something he hadn't quite noticed before. "I see you put a towel down," he squeezed her hand.
"Yes," she nodded. "I hope it will be enough," she added with uncertainty.
"Search me," Warren shrugged, "I've never had a virgin before," he flashed her a wolfish grin.
"Hentai."
(RP OFF)
-
<Jocko>
(RP ON)
Warren Hudson and Ryouko Mendou stood in front of their marriage bed. Warren reached out his hand first, and Ryouko clasped it firmly. They faced each other, Warren's severely aroused state ignored for a moment. Warren leaned down, and Ryouko stood up on her tip-toes. They kissed, Warren bathing Ryouko's tongue with his. Ryouko responded, doing her best. Expertly, she reached up and untied the bow in her hair, letting her hair fall freely about her. When they parted, Ryouko gently sat down on the bed and moved herself back up onto the towel.
Warren stood in place, as if frozen. He watched as Ryouko made herself comfortable, and slowly spread her legs displaying all she had for him. His erection became even more rigid, more rigid than Warren remembered it being since Lucilla was alive. Not even when he masturbated in his sleep to dreams and memories of her was he *this* hard.
Ryouko was visibly sopping wet, her pubic hair matted down and her vaginal lips visible. Her honey glistened in the afternoon light pouring in from the windows. Some of her pubic hair was still dry, near the top, as wispy and soft as ever. Ryouko relaxed as much as she could, waiting for Warren to make the next move. Her eyes stared into his, expectant but patient.
Warren gazed at her there, once again becoming aware of just how much smaller she was, and how much this aroused him more. On top of other fantasies, there was the age-old, tried and true fantasy of his lovely, mischevious, and innocent Ryouko spreading her legs and accepting his weight on top of her.
She carefully wet her lips, for his benefit as well as her's. Ryouko, for her part, was letting her eyes rove over Warren's burly and well-muscled body. His erection rose and fell slowly in concert with his breaths. Both of them were sweating a bit now, the slight perspiration adding a sheen to their skin.
He waited another moment before speaking, when he did she could see the concern on his face. "Ryouko-chan...if I hurt you too much, just say the word and I'll stop," his eyes had a gleam of pleading desparation in them. A mixture of how much he would hate himself if he hurt her in their bonding, and his asking her in the way of all men of his beliefs: "Please, my mistress, grant me release."
'He thinks himself boarish!' Ryoko realized. She favored him with a comforting smile. "I know, Warren-kun. It's going to be just fine. Again, don't worry! I won't break under you."
Warren nodded, gently handled his aching manhood again. "Not that I think myself some sort of porn star, but I do know I'm a bit above average."
Ryouko giggled, "so much of a man, Warren-kun. That's what you are. A faithful hentai knight who needs a wife," she gazed directly into his eyes. "Now," she slid her hands invitingly up to her breasts, and back down to her pubic hair and gently parted her vaginal lips. "Marry me, Warren-kun," she said seriously, "please become my husband."
He nodded soberly. Warren could almost hear Lucilla encouraging, no--urging him. "Do it, my Knight," her voice breathless, "'no man or woman should be without another to keep an eye on,'" her thick Italian accent repeating her Sorceress' order first admonition, "you've been alone for some time, my loyal one, now..." her usual tone of command: "Take her to wife."
With a slight bittersweet smile, Warren could remember how he would sit at her feet as she lectured him. Well, he had never refused to heed her advice, and he wasn't about to start now. Especially when it coincided so perfectly with his own desires. Idly, Warren wondered if that had been her intention when it came to his religious instruction.
Without speaking, Warren gently sat down at the foot of the bed. From there he maneuvered over to Ryouko on his knees. He reached out, gently touching her hand, her breasts, and finally the fire between her legs. She gasped his name as he gently touched her vaginal lips and spread a healthy amount of her lubricant on his fingers. "My virginal bride..." he whispered in wonder.
Ryouko could only nod in agreement.
Warren's fingers now wet with her dew, he drew his hand away from her vagina and spread her honey on his shaft, stroking his hardness invitingly. Ryouko's eyes alternated between his face and his erection, waiting. Warren leaned forward on both hands, kissing her sweetly on the lips. This time only letting his tongue lightly touch hers.
He leaned back up, his hand going to his penis again. Warren aimed his manhood for her vagina. Looking up, he waiting for her final go-ahead. She nodded, "...please." Warren glanced back down and slowly moved his pelvis forward. The head of his penis soon met the lips of her vagina and parted them smoothly. Her smooth raven pubic hair giving him a nice tickle. Warren moaned at the sweet pressure on his tip as he slowly pushed forward, knowing he would have to stop soon.
Ryouko's lips formed a O and let out a low steady moan. It was at this moment when Warren's progress was impeded. He stopped, opened his eyes to see Ryouko still with her eyes close, prepared for what came next. Warren nodded to himself, reminding himself to do it fast, so as to minimize the pain for her. Silently, Warren reached out and took her hand and squeezed hard. He thrusted into her sharply.
"Ah!" Ryouko gasped at the pain as her hymen was broken. Warren opened his eyes to peer down at her, marked the obvious pain in her face, but was pierced by a stern look as her eyes opened. She wanted to continue. Warren nodded, just then becoming aware of how tight Ryouko was, and now feeling the slight trickle of her blood on his shaft. He moved his pelvis back, nearly leaving her vagina, but he thrusted right back in again slightly faster than before. He did this some more, allowing his speed to steadily increase. In concert, Ryouko's moans grew louder.
"Oh! Oh! Warren-kun!!!" she cried happily. Warren, being careful not to thrust too hard and mindful of not putting too much weight on her, gently leaned forward over Ryouko. He kissed her, sloppily. She kissed back, equally sloppy. They began necking each other madly as Warren settled into a rythm of slower, more grinding thrusts. Warren licked her ear, "Ryouko-chan..." he stopped thrusting all together. Ryouko opened her eyes to make sure everything was okay, and was met by a curious sensation from her vagina.
She realized what it was almost immediately. Warren was moving his penis by itself within her. Once she put the pieces together, the sensation had gone from curious to maddening. Almost involuntarily, a long, loud moan issued from the back of Ryouko's neck. Warren devoured her lips with his own, continuing to contract the Kegel muscles in his penis. Ryouko caught on fast, soon she was experimentally clenching her vaginal muscles around Warren's manhood.
"Ahh!" a strangled cry escaped Warren's mouth where it rested next to her ear. "You're so tight and wet, Ryouko-chan," he whispered hoarsely. He started the thrust again, still whispering to her. "It feels like you're sucking on me...how wonderful you are...my love."
Ryouko reached around Warren's back, pushing him a bit closer to her and causing his pelvis to grind into hers' more. "*You* fill me, Warren-kun! You make me whole!" The musky oder of both of their juices and sweat filled the space around them, already Warren could feel his climax building. After another good long, deep thrust into her, he spoke again brokenly inbetween his moans: "I...*Ryouko-chan!*"
She opened her eyes for just a moment to see that there was no way he'd be able to hold on much longer. While Ryouko's pleasure was building as well, she knew with some regret that they would not be coming together in their marriage embrace. Then again, she really could not *blame* Warren, either.
"Yes!" Ryouko screamed, "now!"
Warren withstood another three volleys of deep thrusts into her steadily as his orgasm overtook him. His plentiful seed started shooting into Ryouko's soft, tight womb, so much that Ryouko could feel it in her. Warren came so hard tears formed in his eyes. He exhaled sharply as his back arched, Ryouko watched him. His eyes were closed, and his breathing slowed down some, and the tears. Oh the tears...Ryouko recognized tears of healing when she saw them.
"So...sweet," Warren shuddered.
She smiled, gently reaching up to draw him closer, wanting him to be as close as possible to her. Warren rested for barely a minute as he softened within her, sweat caking both of their bodies. He kissed her brow, and gently pulled himself out of her, his flaccid penis gushing a mixture of their seed, and her blood. Ryouko watched him, her eyes questioning. Her mouth followed suit. "Warren-kun? What are you doing?"
"Making our marriage complete," he smiled as he lowered his mouth unto her chest, giving each nipple a sup as he made his progress down her stomach. Warren soon arrived at her crotch.
Ryouko watched as Warren grinned back up to her. "Did I make such a mess?"
"Yes..." she moaned as he planted a kiss in her pubic hair, "do you mind...the taste?" Surely he must not only be tasting her own seed, but his as well. And the blood from the sundering of her maidenhead...
Warren licked her special place as he did before, "I'll say this, times like this I'm thankful I'm a health nut." For semen can taste pretty bad if the man leads an unhealthy lifestyle.
Warren flickered his tongue at her clitoris, causing Ryouko to writh back and forth on the bed in ectsasy. After a few more sucks, and much tongue lapping, Warren was rewarded with Ryouko's shuddering orgasm. "Oh!" she shouted once, her hands gripping the towel around her, her eyes plastered shut as a wave of golden joy coursed through her. Warren glanced up from his work in satisfied pride, not missing a beat he continued his sweet assault on her most private place, bringing Ryouko three more orgasms.
When Ryouko came down from her high, owing more to simple exhaustion from both parties than a desire to stop, Warren glossed his tired lips with his equally tired tongue. The taste of mingled body fluids filling his mouth. Not that he minded. In fact, it was one of his favorite tastes. The taste of true obedience, as the Mother Sorceress and Goddess had once decreed.
Ryouko's eyes were still closed, her breathing slowed. Warren gently moved back up to gently rest next to her. The man, once again a husband, drew the woman into his arms. The woman, now a wife, gently clasped his hands, languidly kissing his shoulder.
"My one and only..." Ryouko whispered in the proper intonation for Warren. Knowing with some regret that Warren could not say the same to her.
Warren was silent for a second. "I will be loyal to you, Ryouko-chan, dearest wife who found me in my veiled grief, and told me my place."
(RP OFF)
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<Parias>
(RP ON)
All was well in Tomobiki park. Squirrels raced each other amongst the trees, hoarding acorns and teasing the other wildlife. Flowers swayed beautifully in the breeze as they came into full bloom. A young couple embraced each other by a tree, enjoying their surroundings. A more perfect scene one would rarely find in Tomobiki.
Suddenly, a shadow darted out from behind some shrubbery, stopping neatly behind a large assortment of flowers. Two similar figures quietly took up flanking positions to either side. The first figure dug into his pocket and removed a small device, whispering into it.
"This is Mendou, we are at the observation point. Any sign of the target?"
"Negative sire, nothing I can...wait, someone's approaching... it's Lady Ryoko!"
"Excellent! Is that contemptible man with her?"
"No.. she's alone. You should see her any second."
Shutaro furrowed an eyebrow. Perhaps Hudson was simply late, or had become sidetracked with something. He watched closely as his sister walked into the central park area and sat down at a bench, waiting for something.
"Get the camera equipment ready.. I don't want to miss a beat." Shutaro ordered his troops. The two flanking figures nodded and darted off, one taking up a high position in the tree above, the other circling around to the other side of the area for a different angle.
After five minutes of intense waiting, a servant with a letter in his hand walked calmly into the park and headed straight for Ryoko. He handed the letter to her, then simply nodded and walked back the way he came. Ryoko gracefully opened the heart-shaped seal on the envelope, read the contents within, then sat there a moment, as if contemplating the words. Sighing, she finally stood up and began walking out of the park, casually tossing the letter into a nearby waste bin as she passed it.
Shutaro waited untill Ryoko was clear of the park before issuing the order to move in. The two other soldiers emerged from their hiding places all at once, and the duo converged on the bench area where Ryoko had sat.
"What was that about?" asked Shutaro.
"Interesting.. it would appear as if Hudson had to reschedule and was unable - or unwilling to tell Ryoko himself." said the man on the left. The other man nodded.
"Indeed, with the upcoming party, it would make sense that business matters would keep them occupied. I suggest we examine the contents of the letter, just in case."
"Agreed." Looking around to ensure nobody was watching, Shutaro removed the lid on the garbage bin and dug in. He found the letter, slightly crumpled, and removed it.
"Lets see here.."
Dearest Ryoko -
I apologize, my love, but I'm afraid our meeting in the park will not work out. My doctor recently informed me that I may have a severe allergic reaction to the various flowers spread through the park, and I would not wish to be caught endlessly sneezing in front of you. I've arranged for a table at a well-respected restaraunt, the "Green Lotus", where I will await your arrival with great anticipation.
Again, my sincerest apologies.
-Hudson
Raising an eyebrow, Shutaro reached for his radio.
"All units, the situation has changed! We are to rendevouz on the street in front of the "Green Lotus" restaraunt! Move out!"
As Shutaro and his men departed the area, a pair of robed figures watched from a nearby tree, smiling.
"You did well" said one.
"Thanks." replied the other, a female. "But are you certain this is a good idea? It's disrespectful to impersonate Lady Ryoko..."
"It's a creative plan, but I think she would understand, given the circumstances. Come, lets inform the others to move on to phase two."
The two Kuroko jumped down from the tree, rushing off to the waiting Ox-Cart.
(RP OFF)
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<JockoMegane>
The magic man is back, brothers!
(RP ON)
Warren caught his breath for a moment, enjoying their embrace. After a few moments, he whispered, "how do you feel?"
"Good," Ryouko smiled, "very good. Though a bit sore..."
"I wasn't..?"
"No," she shook her head. Ryouko smiled, feeling a bit drowsy. "You brought comfort not hurt to me, Warren-kun."
Warren accepted this, embraced her a bit tighter.
How..." she hummed, " how was it for you?"
He closed his eyes, the feel of her tightness on him so fresh in his mind, the feel of her body against his, the intensity of his orgasm. The feeling...the *gush* of his semen exploding from him into his lovely Ryouko. Making his soul hers. Men accepting the guidance of women, as the sorceress-goddess decided in the dawn of the world. "It's been so long...Ryouko-chan, since I've known a woman."
She grinned, "been so long since you came in a place other than your hand?"
"Yes," he nodded with a smile and a blush. She kissed him again, her slightly smaller lips taking possession of his. They were like this for a while. However, Warren soon noticed that they were both quite messy. He kissed Ryouko's brow, "I'll be right back, dear heart."
He gently untangled himself from her, rose to his feet, stretched, and walked into the bathroom, shutting the door behind him. After urinating, he returned with a wet warm towel and a dry towel. "I must clean you," Warren said sincerely, a beautiful glimmer in his eyes, "I made such a mess..."
Ryouko reclined on the bed, spreading her legs once again despite the soreness. Her center was still noticably wet, some blood was there, and Warren could see some of his semen. Ryouko smiled lewdly, "I like how your seed feels in me, Warren-kun--"
"--and I liked putting it there, Ryouko-chan, believe me...my darling, my love, but I should clean up this mess," he smiled.
She complied, standing and letting him clean her legs and rear. Ryouko laughed at Warren's blush as he put on a face of stoicism as he cleaned her vagina. The wet towel tickling her labia and clitoris. Ryouko giggled at the combination of sensations over her soreness in that region. Warren smiled, looking up and kissing Ryouko lightly on the forehead, each cheek, her closed eyes as she turned her head from one side to the other.
Warren deftly picked up the towels that prevented Ryouko's bed from being stained and carried them to the bathroom and deposited them into the hamper. The towels were already marked for top secret cleaning by the Kuroko. Soon Ryouko was in the bathroom herself, the toilet flushed and she traipsed nude back to bed. Returning, she had another warm wet towel and dry towel in her hands. Warren waited outside gazing at his reflection in the mirror; doing macho poses.
Warren returned to the bed, his flaccid member bobbing a bit against his testacles as he gave his new wife a melting type of hug. Ryouko extended her hands across his well-developed chest. "My turn, husband," she stated, "sit down," she ordered.
"Open your legs, dear," Ryouko hummed. Warren did so. His penis was coated in drying semen from both of them, vaginal lubricant, and blood. Ryouko gently started to wash her man's equipment, which had brought her such pleasure before.
"My wife...washes me," Warren whispered, enjoying the sweet sensations as Ryouko washed his balls. Ryouko finished with her labors, and before getting the towel to dry Warren off, she laid a simple kiss on the area below his navel, where she found a fleck or two of gray hair.
Once Warren was dry, and the towels in the hamper as well (the soiled ones already gone...) Ryouko returns carrying a small smile on her lips. Warren smirked, "all right, what do you have planned?"
Ryouko gently took back the covers from her bed, her eyes looked up at him. "Sleep," she smiled, "big night ahead of us."
Warren nodded, getting up off the bed and getting in himself with his new wife. They held each other, snuggling under the covers. Even Warren felt the need for a half hour nap or so. Ryouko cuddled into Warren's chest, her hand over his heart feeling the steady beats. She sighed, his hand resting easily on her behind. Both lovers lay there for a few long moments, just enjoying the completion of their union. Warren and Ryouko dozed, and when he opened his eyes again he found Ryouko resting her chin on his shoulder, contemplating him with a smile. Warren smiled, the expression on Ryouko's face signified thought.
Ryouko smiled in response to Warren, nuzzling his shoulder. The young woman was remembering the finer points of their lovemaking. In particular, she thought of his seed, how it inundated her. If not for the birth control pills, she surely would be pregnant! "What...would you do with a pregnant wife, Warren-kun?"
Warren instantly blushed. "Umm...."
"Don't worry!" she hugged him, "Remember, I'm on the pill...it's just you...you're such a man, Warren-kun."
He blushed even deeper, shyly. "I would love her...this pregnant wife you speak of, as a man ought to," he held her now, "if the mother goddess decrees there to be children for us, then I shall be their father."
Ryoko felt tears of joy come to her eyes, embracing him tightly. Warren responded in kind, kissing her hair, now there was just the warmth of their love for each other. "I'd...I'd do my best, Ryouko-chan...eventhough I don't know anything about being a father."
Ryouko caressed her husband's back. "We'll face anything fate has in store your us together, Warren-kun."
(RP OFF)
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[OT]
Good to have you back on the forums Jocko!
A warm welcome back and let the adventures begin icon_biggrin.gif
[/OT]
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Excellent fanfic
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This fic has been here for more then 2 years and you've only read it now?? lol
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I dont check all da topics,kropman
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I checked all of them when I became a member...(or nearly all, thy were a bit too many...)
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nice fic, maybe the beginnins to our lum ataru story in the DM, but wow this story is graphic
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Yeah... that's what i thought back then when I joined... its too "detailed"... LoL
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Here's part 2:
http://www.lum-chan.com/index.php?topic=115.0 (http://www.lum-chan.com/index.php?topic=115.0)
And here's part 3:
http://www.lum-chan.com/index.php?topic=123.0 (http://www.lum-chan.com/index.php?topic=123.0)
Enjoy. :D)
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i haven't read this topic, will do it later :P
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later
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hardcore.
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In other words, do you want them to resume?
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Na, its good that way.