This is something that I started a while ago and decided to finish. Insert standard disclaimer here. 'Consequences' by Trom It had all started out all so well. I mean after all these years I finally got to meet Nasuko's family. It took a while for me to earn enough money to get the flight from the US over to Japan, still she was worth it. We had met when I was stationed on the east coast, doing a year long tour. I was in the Army and pretty much bored with my life. I had already started getting into the martial arts, one as a way to pass the time and two, well it helped me to keep in shape. It wasn't actually a form of martial arts but a combination of things that work in the real world and not just tournaments. You know the kind boxing, wrestling, a little judo, karate, and basic street fighting. I was taught by an ex-navy-seal who offered lessons to any who wished to learn. It was in a local multi-purpose gym/martial art studio. It was after a class that I first met Nasuko. She had already been training with Master Brown for a few months by that time. I didn't think much of her at the time, just another student, and I was more interested in learning than being social to people. It was during a period when I didn't have a class and was just practicing. As we were the only ones not involved in a class at the time we paired off against each other. That was when things took a turn for the better. It was during a grappling drill that, for the first time, she amazed me. At first I didn't know if she could even do the drill considering she was only 5' 3" or something weighing in about 100 lbs if not a little more. I myself was 6' 2" and weighed over 200 lbs. To say that there was a difference between us was an understatement. Of course keep in mind that we were studying two different forms at the time. But not only did she throw me, but a considerable distance at that. At first I was really disturbed at that, but I soon got over it as it being part of the learning experience. Anyway I wasn't really paying attention to her because usually when I'm either training or fighting, everyone is the same no matter what their sex. I'm a nineties kind of guy, and if a woman attacked me, I would treat her the same as if a man attacked me, meaning I don't hold back for nobody. It wasn't until after a few classes that I began to really notice her outside of training. She was attending the local collage, and I was taking classes payed for by the military, a kind of continuing education kind of thing. It was a Botany science course dealing with plants and flowers. We were both very interested it, for separate reasons, but we enjoyed it just the same. Well having two common interests we started hanging out together. We started sharing class notes and our different perspectives on our martial art classes. In a few weeks we became close, or as close as I ever get to anyone. She told me about her life, her dreams, and her family over in Japan; her father, mother, and little sister. She started me out on the basics of Japanese, and I worked on it on my own time, so as to surprise her with my development. I love language tapes. Well things were going good between us. Oh sure we got upset with each other over some things, but not enough so that we would split up. I extended my tour on that base so that I wouldn't have to leave her, and both our skills in the art grew as well. We were now helping out the less experienced members of our various classes get over the harder techniques. I thought it was time to take this relationship to the next level. Unfortunately, I would have to go to Japan to do it. Or so I thought from reading a book on Japanese traditions. So that during summer break for school I arranged to take a two-week leave pass, and go with Nasuko to her home in Japan. She first seemed reluctant about the idea wondering what her parents would think about me. I asked her if she loved me, and if she was ashamed to be seen with me. She quickly answered no, for she knew how guarded I kept my feelings, and a blow like that would have caged them up all over again. She then gave into my plan. After making a quick pick up at a local store and the Company HQ to fill out the proper paperwork a few days before our plane flight, I made the final readiness for our trip. The plane ride was long and the movie was pretty good as was the meal (hey, if you can live off military rations for weeks, just about anything tastes good). The plane flight was about ten hours long, although with all the time zones that we passed through we were got there a day before we even started. Being a country boy, the Tokyo airport was very intimidating, it was so big that I was sure I would have been lost if it wasn't for Nasuko. Her parents were waiting for us by the exit. Her sister was in school and wouldn't be out until later in the afternoon. While they were very welcoming to Nasuko, her father was very formal with me, at the time I had no idea why. Her mother was very open to me, to my embarrassment. I'm really not the touchy feelly type, heck it took me a couple months before I started showing Nasuko my true side, and not the one I showed the world. It seems that she has learned quite a bit about me from Nasuko's letters. How much I never really know, but probably too much for my own good. When we got to their home I was pretty surprised. Oh sure, it wasn't the largest or the smallest house around. It's just that it has a feeling of 'home' about it. Like those people that lived there, left a little of themselves in their passing. I was put in a spare room while Nasuko was given her old room. I didn't even get a chance to settle in when Shin, Nasuko's father, came and got me to help him with the family's business. They raised fish in ponds behind their house. To someone who fished in lakes to catch three to four foot salmon, these fish were tiny. Well it seems that it takes a lot more than I thought to raise fish, for he had me cleaning out a few of the tanks for hours. It was just near diner time that when I finally finished. Being in the army for a couple years made me used to sharing a latrine with others but I never shared a bath with another man. I'm used to taking quick showers, that one is supposed to wash before getting into the tub and then just soak for a while is kind of a new experience for me. So it was that we passed the time making small talk, then got dressed and then went to supper. Dinner was very good. I got to meet Natsuki, Nasuko's little sister, who just giggled a lot and made fun of her sister's new hair style. After dinner we had tea, everyone was quiet as if expecting something at least Natsuki and Mrs. Kowayia were, Mr. Kowayia just read his paper. Working up the nerve I quietly cleared my throat and sitting up strait, spoke to Mr. Kowayia. I told him how beautiful his home and family was, and how much I cared for Nasuko. After babbling like that for a few minutes, I asked for his permission to marry her. None of them were surprised at all, well except for me. How did they know I was going to ask that? It seems that Nasuko could read me like a book and knew that was the reason for my interest in coming here. I think Mr. Kowayia wanted me to sweat for a while, for he didn't answer me right off, he just stared at me. He asked how I could support her and any children that we would have, and I told him how the army was very generous to a soldier with a family. Nasuko could continue school, for the army would help pay for it as well as for me. I had also saved a bit a of money, you don't really have much time to spend money on things when your out at the field. So that after a long speech on how I could take care of his daughter, he interrupted me with a laugh and agreed to my suit. To my surprise, the ceremony was to be held in a few days, in the family home. It seemed that everything was already set in motion even before I knew I could be come here. Have you ever felt like you were led into something and made it to seem like it was your own idea? It seemed that Nasuko was a little impatient to wait for me to get the nerve up and was giving me hints for months now. I didn't even realize that until just before the ceremony. The next few days were spent getting the home ready. Not really knowing what to do, I spent some time with Natsuki learning about her school and her friends. She was a good kid and we got to know each other pretty well. Ever since the OK was given on the wedding, she has been calling me big brother, so in all fairness I called her little sister. The ceremony was very beautiful, the kimonos we wore were very nice. A few friends of the family were also there, their family not mine, since we tend to keep our distance from each other. Not from spite of each other or nothing, it's just that we tend to leave each other to their doings. The next reunion was not for a few years so I was in no need to worry about them. It seemed that we had to sip from three saucers filled with saki and speak words of love and oaths to each other. The guests gave us money as a wedding gift, I guess it was better than some blenders. That night was very interesting and I won't bore you with the details. The next day I sent out the proper paper work for the marriage and just spent the rest of the time getting to know my new in-laws, and learning about their family history. Part of this history was an old cave were the ancestors of their family were laid to rest. It was very majestic in its serenity. It was that trip was changed my life for the worst, where I was looking forward to a life with my new wife, I only found despair. The cavern walls were painted with names of those who went before us, their ashes were then placed on the family alter. Candles littered the wall, one for each family member down the ages. Only four were still lit for they were the last of their line. I was very honored when they placed a candle for me next to Nasuko's, we, along with Natsuki were the hope for the future of the family. Natsuki and I were the first to learn, for Nasuko and her parents had to do something in the cave before leaving. So it was that we waited by the field before the cave. Natsuki asking me questions about what I did in the military. I tried being as vague as possible. The sounds of fighting drew my attention to the cliff above. It seemed that two individuals were fighting, they were very good, a lot better than I was at the moment. One of the figure's arms seemed to blur as he struck his opponent, were his opponent just took it. Talk about speed and endurance. They went on like that for a few minutes before one of the fighters suddenly struck the ground with a load cry. "BAKUSAI TENKETSU!" The ground beneath then suddenly exploded upward, engulfing them both. The explosion didn't stop there, for then the cavern started shaking. Natsuki and I could only watch in horror as the cavern collapsed upon it self. Just as soon as it settled down I ran to it, quickly throwing boulders and rocks out of my way as I searched for my new family. Adrenaline giving me a strength I didn't know I had. It took me two hours to finally reach them, my hands bloodied from the sharp rocks, but I continued. Thankfully Natsuki went for help so that she did not see what I saw, there were only two candles burning now. Tears of rage flowed down my face and I let out a load scream of death for the whole world to hear. Who ever did this was going to pay, pay with their lives. The authorities questioned us on what happened and offered their condolences. When the coroner gave his report, it stated that Nasuko was a few weeks pregnant with my child. I called my unit to request emergency leave, then laid the bodies of my wife, unborn child, and her parents to rest. It seems that their home was mine since I had married the eldest daughter. I made arrangements to have Natsuki transferred to my home on the base, and I got someone to look over the home while I had to return to the base to continue my tour of duty. As I was leaving the house, I made a silent promise to those who lived here. Then holding out a piece of clothe I bit my tongue and spit blood on it, sealing the oath. It was a bandana that I had found among the wreckage, it had fallen from the battle above. It was yellow with black spots on it. The owner of this bandana and his partner, wether they be friends or enemies of each other did not matter. Before I die, I'll make them wish they were never born. Part II The first few months were ruff, fortunately I had Natsuki with me to make the suffering bearable. She was now going to a local international school and was making new friends. I helped her with her English and she helped me with my Japanese. She soon became known to everyone on base as my sister, and that they were not to play any pranks on her while I was in the field. So it was that, like all children she adjusted to her new environment quickly enough, the pain still there, but behind her. My love for her grew with everyday, not the love of someone of the opposite sex but the love of a family member. It was kind of strange since I didn't even feel this way for my brothers. I guess it was kind of a shared hardship kind of thing. I still had two years on my tour before I could get out of my commitment, so I stayed at that base. It was a hard, long two years, emotionally that was. When I wasn't working, I was either in the gym working out or at class perfecting my techniques. I needed to get a lot better in a short period of time, so that I practiced with such an intensity that made Master Brown proud. Though I always made sure that I spent plenty of time with Natsuki and did not neglect her. She was very worried about me and took care of the house hold chores, although we cooked dinner together. My coworkers were very worried about me. They knew I was getting married but were surprised when I brought back a young girl instead of my wife, I refused to talk about it. So it was that I worked in a stony disposition getting the job down, but without the friendly joking around that we used to do. Two years is a long time, and a lot can change in that time. Natsuki was going to high school, getting excellent grades which made me proud of her. Sure we had our shaky times, like when my unit was deployed for a "police action" and she had to stay home by herself for two whole weeks. All the time worrying if she was going to lose me as well, or so she said. I didn't worry, I wouldn't die until I kept my promise. Even then everything was taken care of so that everything of mine would belong to her, so she would be fine. I have been making investments of the money that I have been earning, setting it aside for a rainy day and that kind of thing. In the Art I had already surpassed Master Brown in my skill level and worked with him to get it to an all new level of power and skill. My weight training and my combat training bulked me up a bit, so that I had to get new issues of clothes to fit my new, more muscular body. During weekend passes I went out to the city to look for fights to test myself, earning even more money in the process of doing street fights. My superiors thought my new interest in perfecting my skills implied that I would be trying out for the ultra fancy force that had just been formed. So it was that when the re-up drive came around, that they were very surprised when I declined re-upping. Even with the extra money they were offering it wasn't enough to make me stay, I had other commitments. Until that time I worked constantly to improve myself, only on the anniversary of day that my new family died, did I stay home to morn them and repeat my oath. When my tour was up I left the service, heading to Japan. Natsuki was happy to be going home but would miss her new friends, it was time for the next part of our lives. The house was in good shape, and the caretaker, Kenya did his job well, so I decided to keep him on to take care of the fish, leaving me to my vengeance. First thing to do was get Natsuki into the local high school, then begin my scouting of the territory. Even with all my skill I was no where near the match for those two, one at a time, a very, very good maybe, but together I would have no chance in the lower regions of hell. Besides I wasn't here to challenge them, I was here to destroy them. Still it would be good to make them sweat. It didn't take long to find the two, it seems that they have left a trail of destruction, when ever they get together. Fortunately no one else has been seriously hurt, still for all the anguish that they have caused, they will pay. I couldn't spy on them myself, for they would have noticed me right away. A large individual with obvious fighting skills would immediately draw attention. Especially when the people being spied upon said individuals were regularly challenged. It wasn't hard to find someone to do that for me. In fact it was ridiculously easy. It seemed that one of the woman who used to live with one of the targets, regularly sold information on them, even if it was a little old. Ranma Saotome and Ryouga Hibiki, both eighteen years of age. Good that would mean I wouldn't be killing some kids, not that it would have mattered. Saotome was attending the local high school as a senior, he has yet to be beaten in a one on one battle, and was a very powerful martial artist. Hibiki, well all that I knew was that he was constantly lost, but it was a good bet that he would be at the Tendo training hall eventually. Now it was time to start my vengeance. So it began. For the next couple of months each of them received notes, stating 'murder' 'slayer of innocents' and others alone those lines. A letter was given to them, a challenge letter. ****************************************************************************** To the slayer of innocents I challenge you! When? That's for me to know and you to not realize it until too late. Where? You will never know until its too late. This promise I have made: For the death of my family, you will wish that you were never born. You will never know my name until its too late. ***************************************************************************** >From what the girl I hired to watch over that house told me, they were visibly disturb. It was obvious they had no idea of what I was talking about, they didn't even know what they had done, or to whom. That made it even worse. They would find out what crime they would be punished for, that I was certain. But first I would prepare for them. A lone field over looking a running stream: This is a regular resting place of Hibiki when ever he was in the area. It's time make my first move. This Hibiki fella was very strong as well as tough, still this should do a lot of damage to him without killing him, that would have been too quick. Just as he was getting up in the morning I set off the clamor mine loaded with rock salt, positioned just behind his tent. It took him completely by surprise, his tent was obliterated and he was thrown into the river. The pig that emerged got to the river bank before passing out. There was blood all over him, but he would live after a little first aide. It was now time to visit my targets and get to know them a bit. I appeared before the Tendo's gates just before sun down. P-chan as Hibiki was called in this form has still not revived. That was good it only would have made things more difficult. The eldest daughter answered the door, I hoped I won't have to hurt anyone else, but if they get in the way, I would if I have to. I told her that I heard that the pig I had found belonged to someone of this household. She truly seemed to be worried for the pig and invited me in. I told her I had found him on the side of a river covered in blood, and that I had healed what I could of his wounds. She was grateful for this and invited me to stay for dinner, unfortunately I could not for I had to go home to my sister. I told her that my sister worried when I wasn't home before dinner. Still I could stay for tea. Soun Tendo and a Panda (Mr. Saotome) were playing a board game, neither side seeming to be winning. Kasumi told me how P-chan belonged to Akane, her sister, the fiancee of Saotome, and that he seemed to get lost a lot. If only she knew, or maybe she did know, but did not want to hurt her sister. She explained that her other sister Nabiki was away at university. When Akane and Saotome arrived they were shocked to see P-chan in the condition that he was in. She thanked me greatly after I had repeated my tale to her, it was a pity I would have to do this. So it was that just when she had gotten into a fight with Saotome that I made my move. When everyone's eye was turned, I "accidentally" knocked a cup of tea over P-chan. It seemed that only Akane was surprised to find a naked Ryouga lying where P-chan was, then even she could not deny what she saw. It was then that I took my leave of the house, thanking them for the tea. The screams of pain could be heard from the house as I made my way home. My spy told me that Ryouga was seen a couple days later limping down the road. For someone who heals as quickly as he does the damage must have been great. Saotome was absent form school for two days and when he returned, he was still covered in bruises. It was a couple weeks later that I received a surprise, for when I returned home, Natsuki had brought a guest home for dinner. One Akane Tendo, it seemed that they were in the drama club together, even though they were two years apart. Still I held no animosity toward her, so I received her at my table. She was surprised to see me for as you know we did not look like we were related. When asked about that, Natsuki only told her that I had married her older sister. Not that quick on the uptake, she then asked where she was. We were both quiet for a short while, and then I told her how she had died with her parents a week after marrying me. She asked for our forgiveness for bringing up such a sad topic. We told he it was alright since it was two years ago, but that we still morn them. Natsuki and I then prepared dinner for us. After dinner they went to Natsuki's room to go over the play that they were working on together. I knew it was not good to let those two get close together, but I did not want to deprive Natsuki of a friend. What will they do when my plans come to conclusion? I have no idea. Something happened a month later that I did not anticipate. Natsuki's drama club went on a trip to see a play in another of the more larger Tokyo districts and would be gone for a few days. I thought it was good that she was getting out with friends, if only I could have foreseen what was to happen. When she did not return at the given time I grew worried and called the theater. It seemed that the group never made it to there. This only increased my anxiety. After calling around for information. I borrowed Kenya's motorcycle and left for their last known stop, a little antique gift shop outside of the district. I had arrived there to find the old Chinese woman who hung around with the Saotome kid was already there, as well as the two kids that live with her. She was drawing a circle in the earth with her long staff, placing stones at certain areas around it. When asked if she knew what had happened to the students, she did not answer at first she just looked at me for a while. It looked like she was tempted not to tell me anything. Then coming to a conclusion, she told me that a group of the students had picked up a magical item from the shop and activated it on the bus, transferring the bus and all on it to a separate dimension. I didn't ask how she knew this, for I had seen her in action before. When asked what she was doing, she simply stated that they were going after them. Why was she so interested? When asked she stated that Saotome was on the bus as well as Hibiki. She didn't know why as they were not part of the drama club. Damn it! I knew I shouldn't has let Natsuki make friends with the Tendo girl. I had already figured out why the girl was going with her, as she claimed that she loved Saotome. I asked Cologne, as that was her name when we would leave. She just looked at me and said one hour. That was all I needed know. I quickly returned home and went into my private place and gathered what I might need. When I had returned to the shop it appeared that they were about to leave without me. When asked if they were, she just stated that she thought that I had fled in fear and would be no use to the group. We just stared at each other before she would let me in. Not that she was afraid of me or anything, it was just she could use all the help she could get. The girl, Shampoo, asked why I wanted to come. I just told her that my sister was on that bus, and that the other students would need help getting home. When the boy, Mousse, asked about Saotome and Hibiki, I just looked at him and then looked away. Cologne did not miss this display, but continued on with her incantation. The world suddenly got very bright and then we were gone. It was a jungle, that was for certain. The bus was parked in a ditch. When searched it could be seen that the group left in a hurry. Checking the ground around the bus, we noticed some tracks we couldn't identify, they weren't human that's for sure. There were craters scattered about the around giving test that Hibiki had been at work. Still it looked like they were all taken prisoner. They must have been great forces indeed if they could take out the two of them so easily. When commenting on no bodies on either side, Cologne just stated that Saotome and Hibiki did not take lives. I just muttered under my breath about that statement. Seeing such obvious uneven odds, we decided to take it slow and easy so as to not be captured like the others. Shampoo wanted to rush ahead blindly, the fool girl. Her great-grandmother quickly made her see the best approach. About three hours afterward we ran across a group of natives. They were human, so not who we were looking for. Shampoo wanted to force them to tell us where her husband was. I told her to shut the hell up or she could go back, we didn't need any hot heads here. She got upset about that, Mousse just seemed shock that someone other than Cologne would talk to her like that. After she had gotten calmed down, it took a while for that to happen, the natives had almost left and it took a lot of doing at that. It seemed that I was the only one of the four who were dressed strangely, as I was wearing modern clothing were theirs could be from any age. When asked about the abductors, we were told that they were wizards who created magical monsters from people who they kidnaped. I did not like that at all. When asked when this happens, they stated at the time of the three rising moons. At the moment there were only two moons in the sky so that they had a few days before the ceremony was to commence. Cologne was able to talk them into giving us a map of the area of the castle that they were in. I took this time to trade a knife for one of the native's cloak, so as I could blend in with them. The reason the others were probably taken, was because they were outsiders and they thought no one would miss them. It had been a day since we have been in the castle. The guards just took us for commoners, we hid all our weapons in Mousse. I don't know how he did it, but he was able to conceal them from the guards. We checked in to the local tavern and set up base camp there. It was then that we started asking around about the ceremony. The people were just happy to have new slaves, and were excited with the news and told us everything. About how the male prisoners were down in the dungeons and the females were up in the tower, it seemed that the good looking females were going to be used as whores or something, the man we were talking to cackled as that. I almost killed him right there. So it was that we made our way back to our room, as we could only afford one. There we made our plans, we would case the place tonight and decide after word. Mousse and Shampoo were to go check out the troop positions, while I would wonder around to find out what I could. Cologne would check to see if any magic would be used against us in our attack. I had already decided on how I was going to deal with these people, so it was that I took out a small pack from my rucksack. When asked what it was, I just told them a surprise for the enemy. Then during my search of the area, I placed small charges of plastic explosives in key points on the foundation. I wired then with remote fuses and concealed them so that they looked like part of the structure. I then put a very special present underneath the guards barracks, to make sure they did not interfere. Not one to take any chances I pulled out a bottle from a case in one of my pouches and dumped it down the drinking well. One this the military taught you was, that there was no such thing as over-kill. It was now time to plan our attack. I agreed that we needed to free Hibiki and Saotome first, so that they could help with the escape. So it was that Shampoo and Mousse would rescue the male prisoners while I would go after the female ones. Again Cologne would handle the magic aspects of our commando unit. I told them not to drink the water and to stay away from the guard barracks if they could help it. When asked why, I just grinned at them, stating no one harms my family. Sure there are a lot of people out there that state, that you shouldn't use guns. I guess these people were a few of them, for they were shocked when I pulled out and put together my M-16-A1 with grenade launcher from my pack, along with my 9mm biretta with a silencer on it, and a mini-Uzi. When asked about those, I just gave the kids contemptuous looks and told them that we did not come here to play around, and that it was time for them to grow up. With that they left, worried looks on their faces. I gave them a ten count before going to my position, my gear hidden under my cloak. We had waited until the next night before making our move. Already my little surprise kept people at home, along with a good number of the guards. I hope they can handle a little chicken pox, if not, that's life. The bang-bang stuff wouldn't be used if we could help it. For now it was soft and sneaky time. Fortunately these were human guards and not what captured the students, so I had no problem taking them out quick and quietly. There was some kind of lock that I couldn't pick on the door leading to the girl's cells, so I took out a small bottle of sulphuric acid and melted the latch. I really didn't want to do this in front of the kids but the two guards were about to sound the alarm. My 9mm with silencer took them both out quick and clean, unfortunately again that started some of the girls screaming until some of the others quieted them. We were in luck as it seemed that they screamed every once and while anyway, so no one noticed. Quickly searching the cages for Natsuki, I first came across the Tendo girl and Saotome-chan. It seems that they have been causing problems with the captors so were also chained to the wall as well as gagged. I guess I couldn't really blame them for doing that. I located Natsuki before freeing them, after a crushing hug I told her to use the guard's keys to release the others, we were getting out of there. I then turned my attention to the two chained girls, I leveled my 9mm at Saotome-chan, I would never have a better opportunity than this to finish her off, her eyes widened in shock and panic. With two muffled shots, her chains fell from her hands, with a slight smile I turned and did the same to Akane's. I smelled something funny, looking over again at Saotome-chan, she was looking daggers at me while trying to cover up the mess she made. I told her to take point and make sure no more guards were coming and to keep it quite. I then told Akane and Natsuki to hang with the girls and keep them coming we don't want to leave anyone behind. We had made it to the court yard when an explosion rocked the place. I curse silently to myself, I knew that wasn't one of mine. Saotome just grinned and said Ryouga. Well no need for quiet now, with that I pulled out my remote detonator and punched in the code for my special present underneath the guardhouse. When asked what I was doing, I just told them to watch. With that the incinerary mine detonated, the whole guard house was ablaze, screams of pain came from within, only to soon die out. Phosphorus has that affect on human flesh. Across the courtyard, the freed male students made their way toward the gate and freedom only to have it close on them. They turned back just as we arrived with the females. Not too many of the guards were left around seeing as how some were just going to bed as others were just waking up. We made short work of the rest. It was then that the heavy hitters showed up. I had no idea what they were, all I knew that they were trouble for us. My regular bullets did nothing to them so I put in a clip of magnesium tipped ones and a couple well place grenades made a difference. I guess Cologne was doing her job for they weren't as powerful as before, at least that's what Saotome said. We were being pressed back, so I yelled at Hibiki to take out the gate and get the kids to safety. I was momentarily distracted when he used his breaking point on the gate, flash backs of that day when he destroyed my family. That was all our enemy needed and pain lanced through my leg from a glancing wound bringing me back to the present. I gave my rifle to Natsuki, who had a pale face and had to repeat my instructions to her. She knew that sound as well. Just when the four of us had finished with these monsters, a large clay figure stepped through the wall without leaving a mark on it. None of our attacks could do to much damage to it, it was then that Cologne graced us with her presence and said that she took care of the sorcerer, after he had called forth this golem. It was time to book, so Saotome threw one of his Chi blasts at it staggering it for a bit. I said the fuck with this and pulled from my pack my rainy day special, one disposable anti-tank missile launcher or AT4 for short, and shot the damn thing in the main body. Throwing away the spent container I moved to get out of there only to notice that everyone was just standing there looking at me. What? I yelled at them, and told them to follow if they wanted to get out of there. When we had caught up with the rest of the group, we turned and looked back at the city, it seemed that they were getting organized to come after us. Everyone was worried except for myself. I just pulled out my remote detonator and punched in the final key combo and the city crumbled down on top of everyone in it. I doubt few could survive that. With that I proceeded to check on the wounded, myself included. Again everyone was starring at me with the exception of Natsuki, who was staring at Ryouga with a pale white expression on her face, my rifle still in her hands. I quietly went over to her and took it from her. Disassembling it and putting it back in my pack, I pulled her into a hug. Slipping a piece of clothe into her fingers in the process. She looked down at it, it was a yellow and black bandana with blood on it. She had seen this before, on the anniversary of our families death I would take it out and spit blood on it and make my promise all over again. She then looked over at Ryouga and his headband. When Akane came over to look what she had in her hand, she asked how Natsuki gotten one of Ryouga's bandanas. Ryouga seemed just as shocked. I told them to leave that for later, we had to get out of here and back to the bus so that we could get back home. The whole march back was quiet, the students worrying about more monsters. Akane worried about Natsuki, Shampoo fawning over Saotome, Natsuki keeping her distance from Ryouga. When we had finally gotten to the bus it took Cologne a couple hours to make her circle, larger this time to accommodate more people. We were getting ready to leave when Akane called out for Ryouga. We all looked around but it seemed that he was lost again. Her and Saotome suggested that we all look for him, when Natsuki yelled out NO!! And stated that we should leave him here to rot. They were shocked that she would think a thing like that, and asked why we should do that. She just threw the bandana down on the ground and said that's why. Still they did not understand. She then proceeded to tell them the now three year old story, how when visiting the family shrine her sister, my wife, and her parents were caught in the collapse of the cavern. She then told how two figures were fighting on the cliff above, when it did so. When searching through the wreckage that I had found the bandana. Saotome's face began to pale as the story continued, of how our family was crushed to death because he was making fun of Ryouga. That it was all his fault, that innocents had died. He then took off running. Everyone by this time knew what had happened, three people died just because two boys couldn't play nicely together. I just watched as Akane and Shampoo went running after Saotome. Natsuki crying in my arms, this was not the way I had wanted it, I did not want Natsuki to even know those two or even who killed our family. I went to all that trouble to keep my actions from her, only to have a memory of the past bring everything to the present. It was a long wait before the three came back, for Cologne would not leave without Shampoo and Saotome. We had a long talk during that time. About what I did back in the castle, how I easily killed those people. How she thought she knew me, and why I did what I did. Each question was like a knife be twisted into my heart. I asked her if she wanted me to leave once we got back. She could have the house, and that she would never have to hear from me again. She glomped onto me, saying no repeatedly, telling me to never leave her, for I was her brother and no matter what I did, she would always love me. It was near nightfall and still the others had not came back. I asked Cologne to transport the students so that they could go home. I knew she didn't care one way or another about them, but as I was told by Ms. Tendo, it was a martial artists duty to protect the weak. Mousse and I stayed back to wait for the others. When we were alone he turned to me and asked why I did not kill Saotome and Hibiki when they were helpless. He knew from the battle that I had no problem with killing. I asked him why he did not kill Saotome for taking his woman from him. I already knew that he had tried on the occasion but never could. Death is the ultimate journey, the final resting place. It was my belief that one had to earn that rest, and I did not believe that those two hadn't, not yet. It was enough to make their lives a living hell, or make them wish that they were never born. With that we set off in the direction that they were last seen. We came upon Akane and Shampoo about three hours out. Both of them calling out for Saotome, their voices raw from yelling. Just like teenagers to miss the obvious. Saotome would not be stupid enough to travel on the ground if he did not want to be followed. With that we took to the trees, why was I bothering? One, I said I would, and I always keep my word. Two, I think it will soon be time to call this game to a close. Ironically, we found Hibiki first. I guess we were surprised that he hadn't already found a way home, considering how he can travel almost everywhere no matter what the obstacle, even if he takes the long way around. Akane was very distant from him, even more so than for the P-chan thing. She wouldn't even look at him, none of us would tell him why. We decided to camp for the night as we all had an active day. It was near morning when Saotome finally returned. Shampoo as was the norm threw herself on him as soon as she awoke and realized that he had returned. After different kinds of greetings, we walked back to the bus site. Ryouga was confused (not all that strange) for Saotome refused to fight with him, or even call him P-chan. With the exception of Shampoo hanging all over Saotome, the walk back was quiet and uneventful. Cologne was waiting for us when we returned. When we got back to the shop we made our separate ways, Natsuki was there waiting for me. I guess she didn't trust me to take care of myself. With not another word we got onto Kenya's motorcycle and took off for home. We both had a lot to think about. Her, about what I did back there and how she would react to Saotome. I don't think that she knows of his complete involvement in the accident. Me, I needed to think about how I was going to finish this. I didn't want to kill the kids, they had to much potential for that. Still it seemed like Hibiki couldn't take much more of what was happening to him. If I didn't ease off, he might kill himself. Saotome? Guilt can be the worst kind of punishment someone could live with. How would you feel if that just by fooling around you caused the lives of innocent people? I didn't see Saotome or Hibiki around lately, although Akane would come around once and awhile, to work of the school play or something. I was told by Natsuki, that Saotome had moved back in with his mother, stating that he needed his space or something like that. I guess his little harem had finally gotten on his nerves or something like that. Not a little while after moving in with his mother, Saotome and his parents showed up at our home. Mrs. Saotome was very polite and calm, while Mr. Saotome looked to be sweating bullets. Ranma was just quiet. We had tea and talked about each others lives. I listened as she talk about how Ranma was taken from her as a child and raised by his father. You know the usual tidbits of Ranma's life. She then asked me about my life. I told her about my family, how I had not seen them for years now, as other things had been preoccupying my time. Mr. Saotome just looked even worse at that remark. About my military life and how I had meet Nasuko, how for over a year she worked to get me out of my shell. How she taught me the meaning of love and understanding. How I tried to learn as much as possible about her family and culture, to show her the extent of my love. I even came all the way over to Japan to ask her family's permission to marry her, and how they agreed. I then told of the time between the wedding and the 'accident'. I looked down at my hands to try to find any remaining scars from when I tried to dig them out. I told them on how Natsuki was the last of their line. I also told them about my unborn child, which had died with my wife. This was too much for Ranma and if not for his mother he would have fled from the house right there and then. He just prostrated himself before me and begged my forgiveness. I just looked at him, saying nothing. He would not move until I did. Mrs. Saotome then went on as if nothing had happened, and asked about the skills that I had shown during the misadventure a month ago. That she had Nabiki, Akane's sister do a background check on me and couldn't find anything other that I was in the military for a certain amount of time. Nothing about my work, what I did, that kind of stuff. I just told her that she wasn't suppose to know. Nobody was. I now knew why Mr. Saotome had been sweating bullets. He thought I was a Merc or something, and that I would kill them for what they had done to my family. I stated this to them. I have got to hand her, Mrs. Saotome wasn't fazed by much. She had just stated that it was true and asked if that was what I wished of them. Their Deaths? As I understand it, a family is responsible for their members. That is one dishonors themselves, then the whole family is dishonored. All this time Ranma had not gotten up from his position. It seems that he was willing to take the honorable way out of this. At least by his point of view. His father didn't seem to keen on this though. What could I do? Let them kill themselves? I had already decided that I wouldn't kill Ranma and Hibiki. But to forgive them? I don't know. I didn't think I had that kind of emotion left in me anymore. They had taken the one love of my life and any hopes of a future happiness and flushed it down the toilet. Chances were that I would never be able to open myself up to another person like that again. Here I was twenty-five years old and already a widower. I'm sure if it wasn't for Natsiko, I would've just killed the two of them and that was it. I did the only thing I could think of to get out of that situation that they had put me in without making any strait forward commitments. I told them that they owed me and mine. How could you repay for the lose of life? Just that their family would always owe mine until the debt could be payed. With that Mrs. Saotome got out a couple of pieces of paper and wrote the contract to bind us all. I think I disgusted them when I cut my finger and added a bloody finger print to the end of my signature. Still not to be out done, Ranma mirrored it. We then each took a copy plus the original and parted ways. I guess you can say that I let them off easy. If something happens to Natsiko, then there would be no more family. At least not here, for my family is very large. Heck I can trace my family tree all the way down to the middle ages. I have so many cousins that I don't know all their names. Also I think that I have a niece or two too. The thing is that they are spread so far out its hard to keep track of them all. Still I don't know if I'll involve them in this. After all that we all went on with our lives. Ranma and Akane went off to College and a few years later so did Natsiko, although I don't really think a college on acting as a good school, she did. It was expensive to. But it didn't take me long to get the capital to pay her way. I didn't even need to take from my investments to do it. How you might ask? Well I owed Cologne for helping me save Natsiko. She was impressed with my military skills and had a job for me. It only lasted a few months, but she had a job to do and I was capable of doing it, so she payed me well. Lets just say in those few months I got to visit a lot of China. The rest is a tale for another time.