Suggested changes: {before : after}
On Thu, 13 Jun 2002 21:39:18 -0400 noirchloe <noirchloe@nyc.rr.com> wrote:
Http://kpjam.anifics.com Is where you can find this and other stories.
Thanks for including the URL.
She was growing impatient and extremely worried as time stretched by. This
chase had taken way {to : too} long as it stood. Having twice failed to apprehend
Vash was something that she couldn't tolerate. Partly because of her own
sense of pride, but mostly -- and she would never admit this openly -- she
would rather die then let down Usagi. Firming her mind and her resolve to
believe she was correct, she banished the thoughts of being wrong, and
thought of what she would do _when_ the jeep came rolling over the hill.
She took a deep breathe to try and slow her beating heart and allow the
adrenalin that was pulsing through her veins {and : to} dilute.
Sighing deeply she regarded the man evenly. Remembering his flashy escape
from earlier, she tried to formulate a plan of actions. She had no
{misconceptions : idea} about his abilities, but having no doubt about hers, she was
confident in the outcome. Taking a few even breaths and getting into a
defensive crouch, she decided to give diplomacy one last try before they got
into the fighting.
Kimishima staggered over to where Vash and Kanami had landed, leaving the
fighting to Kazuma, as usual. He had seen the first exploratory blows, and
was surprised that the woman was still standing. Having been close enough
to more than one of Kazuma's fights he knew he should keep his distance; the
ground around them {already shows : was already showing} signs of the abuse he tended to reap upon
the landscape. He was just going to collect Kanami and Vash and move them
to a safe spot. His ruined jeep would have to wait, as he concentrated on
his and Kanami's safety, and waiting for Kazuma to finish up his fight.
The combatants had split up for a second, taking a moment to digest the
situation when Vash, a meter or two away from Kazuma jumped high into the
air, aiming straight {from : at} his friend.
He watched as she complied. Raising her slender arms high into the air with
the rest of her body following. He turned her slightly, towards the remains
of his prized possession. The brilliant plan he had {of : for} subduing her rested
on the hope that he could find his pack, and the wires that were contained
within.
"Listen. There's been enough violence already. You let the woman go and {I'
ll : I'll} come with you. No questions asked."
Just then, the jostling of branches was heard off to the side of the road, a
small calico cat scampering across the road right in front of them.
Suddenly Bean Bandit reared his head up and let out a screeching whiney
while shaking his head up and down. Both girls were startled as Hotaru
{instinctually : instinctively} grasped Minako's waist harder. Minako leaned back in
response, smacking her head into Hotaru's forehead, eliciting a sudden yelp
of pain, and dazing the taller girl.
"She chased after Vash and the guy that took him. We went back to get our
stuff and the {Donkey : donkey}. But we lost contact with her," she said the last
softly, morosely.
"He is reputed to be a very charming and generous man. I {fell : feel} one of them
will find his charms appealing." She didn't say that she had hoped none of
them would like him, regardless of his charms.
"You didn't answer the question." She stopped dressing and looked intently
at Setsuna. A look that had always pulled at Setsuna in a weird way that
was {undescribable : indescribable}. It was a look that demanded answers, and honest ones.
It was the same look that had first forced Setsuna to acknowledge that Usagi
_could_ one day become a true leader.
"I hope that it was an aberration. The disquiet in the city is growing,
though. It is foolish to think that it won't be voiced in public this way."
It was foolish, and they both knew it, but they had also hoped that
Neo-Queen {Serenities : Serenity's} presence would put a damper on it. The memories of
people were short, and the mutual struggle to survive, for all intents and
purposes, was over. There were those who were poor, and mal-fed, but their
were also those who weren't. They had survived, and were now prospering.
With all things, they still wanted more yet there was little that could be
given. Construction was still going on, there were still people that needed
housing and other basic supplies. How could they in good conscious, allow
some to get fat, when so many were so thin?
"Well, if we can finally establish more trade with Japan, we might be
allowed to continue growing." This was what they were desperately in need
of. If they could grow their trade, they could allow for more profits for
some, without taking out of the mouths of others, or so Ami had said, and
the others had agreed. It was with those hopes, that tonight's dinner had
been arranged, as they finally had talked Osaka into {negotiated : negotiating} with them.
Osaka and Kyoto to be more precise, both were currently ruled by the same
man, having come to power less than a year ago in Osaka, and bringing Kyoto
quickly under his rule as well.
"The gates?" Usagi asked quietly, before continuing, "I may as well get
everything out of the way." A {discontent : discontented} sigh followed the short addendum.
Usagi walked along the corridor towards the main dining hall. Her mind was
empty {fo : of} all things serious, tonight was important, but it was also a
dinner-party. She had people to meet, and subvert to her cause. She knew
her strengths, and diplomacy in its most common form was not on the list.
She was someone who won hearts, and through their hearts, their minds. To
do that, she had to quit thinking of Rei! The mere thought of her friend,
her confidant, her nemesis in fun caused her heart to wrench.
The approached the guest and he {curtsied : bowed} to her. "You do me great honor by
inviting me here, Neo-Queen Serenity." His words were formal, but they had
undertones of sincerely she had almost forgotten among the powerful.
"I would like to introduce you to my chief advisor. She wasn't supposed to
attend," he said with a hint of amusement or annoyance, she wasn't sure.
"Kasumi Tendo."
"Hiya, Nabiki."
So hopefully more pieces will come together in the next chapter.