{Legal crap: I don't own Tenchi Muyo or anything it stands for, Story,
Plot, settings and some characters are mine. Don't sue, like you'd get much
anyways, I don't work ya know. Blah blah and whatever else that'd be put
here}
Shoujo-ai warning, ya don't like shoujo-ai themes. Piss off and go do something constructive. Alt-universe fic.
All comments about this fic are welcome, suggestions and so on should be sent to yokouragasi593@hotmail.com ^^
And please review!
((Yuffie))
::Bandit Nights, Chapter one::
::Thieves in shadows::
The owls hooted in the forest as the castle flags fluttered lightly in the breeze. A single guard, clad in a leather armored vest and small steel helmet walked back and forth along the ten meter stretch of front wall, his pike clanging every time her stopped at one end, spinning on his heels and walking back in the other direction. He'd glance out toward the vast forest every so often, there was little else to do and also to check if any enemies were coming. He'd glance out toward the vast forest every so often, there was little else to do and also to check if any enemies were coming.
The owls had stopped hooting.
A brief pause were his eyes darted back and forth and then an odd clanging of metal upon stone, he turned quickly to see a rope hook dig into the wall. Rushing over the guard peered over the side in time to be greeted by a little spiky red headed women hop over the wall, grin, shout "Hiya!" and bop him square on the head with the flat end of her overly large- considering her height- sword.
Eyes rolled into the back of his head and he fell to the ground, his helmet clanging slightly. The redhead grinned and craned her arm behind her back to place the sword in its holster. There was a light whooshing sound and a flash of cyan, out of nowhere a taller woman with the same spiky hair only shorter and less angular, materialized beside the shorter women, Her leather boots made a soft noise as they touched the ground. Straightening a single steel shoulder plate on her left arm she moved her hands down to smooth the material of her blue shirt. Then gazing down at the unconscious guard and the grinning half-pint she chuckled. "You know... if I didn't know any better I'd say ya enjoyed this mom..." The read-head looked up, a fang peeping over the top of her lip as her olive eyes shimmered in the moonlight.
"Of course I enjoy it!" She chimed "Hitting people is fun Ryoko!" Sticking out her leg she managed to trip up an angry oncoming guard sending him stumbling forward toward Ryoko. Who unsheathed her sword from it's place on her waist, shouldered it like a baseball bat and swung it into the guards gut, sending him careering over the castle wall and screaming into the forest. She chuckled again and placed her sword back in its position. The green eyed women smirked as Ryoko nodded in agreement "Yeh! It sure is!"
Giving a quick nod the women walked over to the side of the wall and peered over, placing two fingers in her mouth she whistled. And not a moment later many other rope hooks dug into the wall, there was a short second of silence and then a rush of hooded men and women piled over the wall. There was another similar whooshing sound and another women, identical to Ryoko up to the point where this girl had small scars traveling from her cheeks to the under curve of her jaw also appeared out of no-where. She was dressed in a green shirt and waistcoat and brown pants. A long staff in her hands she walked up to the red-head and saluted "All major threats have been cleared on the surrounding walls captain Washu" Washu frowned "How many times have I told you to call me mom? Only the other guys have to call me captain" The other golden-eyed girl smiled slightly "Yes mom..." Washu chuckled "That's a good girl Minagi"
Ryoko waved her hands in front of her as Minagi turned to her "And don't even think about calling me boss, ok?" Giggling Minagi nodded "Yeh alright Ryoko, anyways we got one of the guards to talk and he says that the treasure room is below us, threes a few more guards there" She grinned slightly and tapped her staff ".... But nothing we cant handle" Her tone was dangerous and made no room for doubts, she had obviously done this kind of thing many times. Ryoko nodded and made her way to the front of the congregating group of warriors.
Placing a hand on her hip she cleared he throat and spoke in such a voice that made it evident that she was in charge, and more over, all the warriors stopped their chatting and stood to listen "Right guys and gals..." She said, seemingly in a more relaxed way than any leader greeting their troops. But Ryoko was no ordinary leader "The treasure room is downstairs, there are a couple of guards down there. You should be fine but be extra careful just incase. And no unnecessary bloodshed unless its a life or death situation ok?" They all nodded "Ok, now I want the rest of defense team going to join up with captain Minagi's team, stealth team with captain Washu, Back up you stay here just in case and the rest come with me." Ryoko took a step back to let five women walk off toward Minagi and head over to the eastern wall, twelve or so men and women followed Washu down the steps into the armory to loot any weapons that may come in handy for later days. Ryoko looked at the back up just to her right and then over to her team, a small teams of four.
"Now, c'mon we're gonna go to the treasure room and get everything you can carry..." She grinned "And make sure you carry a lot... If we do well tonight, ill think about giving you guys a night off to relax and party ok?" The small group consisting of three women and one overly tall man raised their fists in the air and chanted "Ryoko! Ryoko! Long live the leader!" She shook her head and smiled, then grasping her sword hilt turned and headed off in the direction of the treasure room.
*** Deep down in the base of the castle two guards stood at the entrance of a heavily bolted door. They wore a large breastplate and carried two short swords in each hand, staring straight ahead of them up the long dark corridor only light by a single crackling torch- made them completely oblivious when Ryoko phased through the ceiling and landed softly behind them. Reaching out her hands to each guards head she rammed them both together, causing them to slump against each other in an unconscious pile. Whistling, footsteps could be heard coming along the corridor, four shadows cascaded along the corridor wall as Ryoko team turned the corner, their weapons blazing.
The first women, long jet black hair reaching her calves examined the clutter of the two men and giggled, relaxing her bow she walked over to Ryoko. "It seems as though you didn't even need us boss" Ryoko kicked the men clear of the door and aimed a slender finger at the huge lock, glancing over her shoulder as she sent a beam of light into it, vaporizing it in one go she chuckled "..Yeh, But I need you guys to help me carry the stuff right Xun?" Xun nodded, her orange eyes flickering in the torchlight. "Oh yeh.." She smiled and signaled for the two other women and the huge guy to follow her into the Treasure room after Ryoko.
Ryoko stood in the center of the room and gazed along the gold, silver, gems and much more valuable items that lay inside. Xun moved over to the right and pulled out a huge brown sack, along with Shina- an older women with short-cropped gray hair and glistening blue eyes she began to fill the bag. Gus a huge bulky bald man holding a battle-axe moved over to the left and he too began to fill his sack.
The last girl, a short elf like girl with long pointed ears came over- arms crossed and huffed looking up to Ryoko. Ryoko raised an eyebrow and looked down to her "Uh... what's up Yume?" Yume snorted and glared up at her " why didn't you let me go with the stealth team? Why am I stuck here loading sacks full of gold?" Chuckling in realization Ryoko smiled and wagged a finger at the short elfin girl "Becauuuuse mom wouldn't be able to concentrate on loading weapons and instead she'd be paying attention to you..." Yume pouted and looked innocent causing Ryoko to sweat drop "Ugh... just go and load the stuff wouldya? You and mom can catch up on your precious lost time later when we get back home ok?"
Snorting again Yume moved off to help Gus and fill her own sack, moving her way to the back of the room Ryoko pulled out her own bag, stuffing it with whatever she could, that was when it caught her eye.
At the far back of the room, placed on a stone stand stood a beautiful sword. Its mystical blue blade glistened giving it a sense of awe, a strange wooden hilt twisted into it. Licking her lips Ryoko floated over to it, her eyes sparkling in joy as she reached out and picked it up. Holding it gave her a feeling of great power and immediately she tied it to her belt, looked admired it for a while and then moved on to fill her sack again.
***
"Right guys move out we've got all we need" Watching the group of men and women file out of the armory with different weapons, large and small, armor and so on Washu nodded in approval. "Seems we've got ourselves a good haul.. Wonder how Ryoko's getting on" When the last of the group had moved out she followed on behind them and then over to the front wall. Minagi was already there and when she turned and saw Washu coming up toward them, she waved to her and her team began their decent back over the wall.
Waving back Washu made it to the wall "Hiya sweetie, so did you get anything?" Minagi nodded and pointed to her team with full sacks on their backs making their way down to the floor over the wall. "Yup, we got food, drink and some small bits of technological equipment that I thought you may like. Washu raised her eyebrows and nodded "Really? Like what?"
"Well, you know how this is a Juraian castle?" Washu nodded and Minagi continued "Seems it belongs to prince Yosho one of the kings children, his eldest in fact" A knowing smile appeared on the feline features of the small red head "... Juraian technology then?" Again Minagi nodded "Uh huh, we got some medical technology and even some Juraian transport" Washu's eyes widened "You got hover vehicles!?*" Minagi giggled and led washu to the front wall, pointing down below Washu peered over. And sure enough down at the bottom men and women were loading Juraian H.V's with sacks of loot. There was one large H.V a people carrier and the rest were small hover bikes, but the thing that Washu liked the most, was that the hover bikes were equipped with firepower. Two nice beam guns on either side of the front. She looked back to Minagi and shook her head grinning "You've done great sweetie, just wait till Ryoko hears" She smiled again and patted the taller girl on the shoulder "Now, you get yourself down there, I'll wait for you sister ok?"
"Ok!" Minagi waved before she phased down to join the others. Not long after that Washu spotted Ryoko and her group of four heading up the stairs toward them. Their sacks full and clanging as they moved, a small grin appeared on her face as she saw that Yume had used her brain and had gotten Gus to carry hers, she had her arms crossed and was pouting along side a slightly sweating Ryoko.
Yume made her way over to the small redhead and upon reaching her gave her a kiss on the lip and linked arms with her. Ryoko walked over and sighed, "I swear, she's been grumbling all the way up here. Complaining and insisting that you'd be.. And I quote: So so so so so so so, lonely without your love" She shook her head and scrunched her nose, Yume giggled. "..Well next time little Ryoko you'll know not to put me with you" Ryoko nodded in agreement.
"Hehe.. So what did you get sweetie?" Washu said, as Ryoko's group were told to go and load the H.V's "Well... we got plenty of gold, tons of Juraian rubies and some silver.." Then raising a finger she pointed to her waist "And i found this.. Nice aint it?" Washu's gasped and moved forward inspecting the sword "That's prince Yosho's! How did you get that?" Ryoko shrugged "It was in the treasury at the back.." She un-sheathed it and admired the strangely glowing blue blade "It's beautiful aint it?" Washu nodded and ran a hand along the blade "That is said to be the most powerful sword in the kingdom of Jurai, You got yourself a good weapon there." Sheathing it again Ryoko nodded "So I can keep it then?"
"Of course you can.. Just be careful with it, its full power isn't yet known, ill have to examine it when we get back..." They made their way to the front wall as the last of the thieves made their way over the wall and down to the floor. "So what did Minagi get?" Washu pointed a finger over the side and Ryoko whistled "H.V's? Nice.." Teleporting the remaining three to the floor they moved to Minagi. Thieves were already on horses and some had gotten onto the H.V's, Minagi herself was on one and signaled Washu and Yume to get onto the people carrier.
Walking over to the last remaining Hover bike Ryoko flew up to the front of the group. "Well! Everyone has done great tonight! For those of you who don't have to walk back home thank Minagi for nabbin' these H.V's" The band cheered Minagi's name and the girl giggled and blushed slightly. "Now I say a little celebration is in Order! So lets go home and party!" The band roared and chanted Washu's, Yume's, Minagi's and Ryoko's name. Mostly Ryoko, she was after all their trusted leader. Ryoko made a peace sign and waved a hand over her shoulder. "Well let's go then!" Riding after their leader on either Hover bikes, horses or the people carrier the troops made their way to celebrate.
*** "WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!?" The servant cowered in Yosho's presence and nodded again. "S-Sir we have been robbed, our treasury is empty, the armory has been cleared our hover bikes and transport vehicle have been stolen and rations and medical equipment have also gone..." He drooped his head "And so has your highness's sword"
"M-MY SWORD!? Gone!?" Prince Yosho stood from his throne, his cape rustling. He cleared his throat and found a calmer tone "...Ahem.. Who did this?" The servant looked up and shook his head "..We are unsure; the guards are describing them as ghosts.. Disappearing and flying also shooting energy from their fingers.." The prince balled his fists "That sword is very powerful.. Should it fall into the hands of our enemies the kingdom shall surely fall to ruin.." She sat back down "Send message to my father.. I want the thieves caught and executed.." Quickly standing the servant rushed out of the hall bowing before her left "At once your highness"
***
Many miles away from Yosho's castle, the grand castle of Jurai stood, its beautiful stonewalls decorated with many huge trees outside and even in the castle itself. It was daytime now as many birds flew around the castle, perching upon the highest tower of this huge structure.
Inside this tower resided crown princess Aeka Jurai's bedroom and today the crowned princess herself. She sat at her dresser, brushing her long violet hair into place, a servant girl behind her styled the hair into two long tails that flowed down her back and almost touched the floor. Straightening the collar on the princess's regal Kimono the servant girl nodded "You look very beautiful princess Aeka, I am sure that the prince will surely think the same..." Aeka looked past her reflection and to the teal haired women behind her "Thank you very much Kiyone.." She said, a slight sigh accompanied her tone "...Though this does not change the fact that I hate the stupid pompous Seiryo that am suppose to marry.... Why he is even more feminine than I!"
Kiyone gave a slight chuckle "I know how girly he is, but I assure you that you are more feminine.. I also wish that you did not have to marry such a pansy if you excuse my use of words..." Aeka nodded and waved a hand as she stood up, slipping her arms into the long sleeves of her kimono "...Do not worry.. But that is what I should expect from arranged marriages..." She sighed again "Such is the life of a princess..."
A slight knock came at the door and Kiyone turned to answer it, "Ah.. Lady Misaki." Aeka's mother a tall long sky blue haired woman walked into the room, she nodded to Kiyone and the lady-in-waiting left. The second queen of the Jurai kingdom approached her daughter and smiled "Are you ready dear?" Taking in a quick breath of air she lifted her head and looked as noble as possible. Nodding she gave an impish smile to her mother "I am ready.. let us leave"
They made their way to the courtyard of the castle, where a Juraian transporter- a beautiful wooden carriage decorated with strips of gold waited outside. Kiyone opened the door and allowed the princess to get inside shortly accompanied by her mother. Aeka slid over to the seat next to the window and raised an eyebrow "Isn't mother Funaho coming?" Cheerily sitting next to her daughter and placing her hands on her lap Misaki nodded. "Yes, she'll be here any minute, lady Mihoshi is just helping her pick an outfit"
The princess visibly sweat dropped at the mention of her other mother's lady-in-waiting, the clumsiest servant in the entire castle yet Funaho still insisted that the blond be her personal servant. Queen funaho, the first queen of the Jurai kingdom was very kind and she said that she enjoyed having the bubbly woman around. True to be, Mihoshi had a heart of gold and never meant anyone any harm, just that she was a little. well heavy handed.
"Yooo hooo, Kiyoooooooooneeeeee!!" Sighing and looking to the castle steps Mihoshi could be seen giggling and running toward them, Funaho with an amused look on her face hurrying to keep up. The first queen held a hand in front of her face and chuckled, Mihoshi always seemed to brighten the day regardless of the weather.
Looking down and sweat dropping slightly at Mihoshi, who was hunched over panting Kiyone patted her friend on the back "You ok Mihoshi?" Standing straight Mihoshi puffed and nodded "Uh huh! Sorry we're late it took a while cleaning up the pot I broke. You know that funny one with the tree on it?" The teal haired woman's face suddenly drained of color "T-The.. one.. with.. the tree?"
Raising an eyebrow Mihoshi nodded again, this time slower "..uh yeh." The first queen chuckled and patted Kiyone on the shoulder "Do not worry, it is not the jar of Tsunami.. It is a replaceable one.. The Bizen jar.." A sigh of relief escaped the lady-in waiting's mouth though her color was still slow to return. She bowed a few times before shutting the carriage door after the queen and getting onto the front of the of the vehicle along side Mihoshi.
The blond chattered happily as Kiyone held the control unit steady and headed off toward Koshin castle.
*** Deep in the depths of Kagame forest there is a place known to very few, and those who have known about it without permission, seemingly had very short lives.
In this area of the forest there is a beautiful tree, but this tree is no ordinary tree. For this is the entrance to an underground fortress. In this fortress along the vast labyrinth of tunnels and passage-ways lives a group of thieves.
Their leader currently snoring away in her bed.
Her sleep was soon interrupted however as her mother, opened the tent front, furrowed her brow and tutted at Ryoko's still sleeping form and marched over. She stopped over the foot of the bed, crossed her arms and shook her head. "*Really* and to think that you're the most feared bandit in the whole of the Juraian kingdom." She sighed, and grasping the bed sheets pulled them off.
"Huh!? Wa!?" Ryoko shot up and looked about the room, her eye lids half shut her arms flailed around the place in an almost drunken stupor. She groaned and rubbed her eyes, looking to the side and seeing an obviously amused Washu holding the bed sheets she grumbled. "Uh. w-what time is it?"
The little redhead tossed the sheets aside and moved to bring Ryoko's clothes to her "Time you were up young lady." Ryoko floated out of bed and grabbed her blue pants and a leather jacket. Then putting on her usual armor, a strange design which only consisted of one mythril shoulder pad. She admired her reflection in the mirror for a while she winked. "Lookin' good"
She was about to place her old sword onto her waist when she remembered her newly acquired weapon. Making her way over to her table she kneeled on one leg and ducked under it, emerging with the sword now in hand. Washu made a curious "Hmm" sound as her daughter applied the sword and grinned.
"Better" she said "I'm getting used to this blade, its nice. Has a good feel to it"
Glowering at her daughter's back Washu angrily tapped her fingers on her shoulder, her own sword clanged about as she paced about a little. She looked pissed, if not a little cute as she waved her arms up in the air behind Ryoko's back "Ok ok! Do you mind stop lookin' at yourself in the goddam mirror and go out there ." She opened one end of the tent door and pointed outside to where Yume was plodding around holding her head and kicking any still sleeping men and women in an attempt to wake them "..And sought your band of not so merry men, you've gotta get these guys in line.. and they have major hangovers.."
She visibly sweat-dropped as Yume tried to wake up Xun, Shina and some other women, her kicks failed and she walked off grumbling her shoulders slouched. Then the sweat-drop grew much larger as the elfin woman came back holding a very large wooden club and proceeded in beating the living crap out of the women until they woke up.
Looking very pleased with herself Yume decided to pull out a taser gun and skip around electrocuting any stragglers. Washu herself sweat-dropped as she rushed out of the tent and toward her lover trying to pry the gun out of her hand.
Sighing Ryoko shook her head and followed Washu. As soon as she left the tent, any men or women who where awake to see her- quickly jumped up and stood as straight as they could. Even with her relaxed way of doing things she was well respected by them all.
As she walked to the front of she group she flicked back a strand of stray cyan and breathed in "ALRIGHT YOU LAZY GOOD FOR NOTHINGS! RISE AND SHINE!!" Any people who were asleep were most defiantly awake now. In a flurry of bodies and so on, Ryoko watched on in great amusement as her band of thieves banged into each other and knocked each other over filing into their regular order.
Now standing in a much more tidy way she glanced along each line checking that everyone was there. Looking to her side she saw that Yume and Washu had took up their positions beside her, but she stopped, glanced around and then growled. "Ok." She said, placing a hand to her head "Where the fuck is Minagi and Nagi? They should be here." Xun blushed and raised her hand.
"Uh. boss" Her tiny voice was barely heard over the commotion and other chatting, Ryoko raised an eyebrow "..Yeh? What?" The young girl's blush deepened as her foot shuffled around on the floor "They're both in Nagi's tent.. Still" Ryoko's eyes widened slightly and she glanced over to her mother "..You gotta get her spayed.." Before marching off toward Nagi's tent.
As she approached the tent she could hear her younger sister's giggling and. other noises. A stress mark made itself clearly visible as she marched over to it and flung the flaps of the entrance open. "ALRIGHT!" Minagi yelped and dived under the covers as a naked Nagi just raised a clearly frustrated eyebrow. "OUT! Now get in line, everyone is waiting for ya! Move it move it!"
Huffing the red eyed women dressed herself and rushed off to join the others as Ryoko pulled out her sword and began poking the lump under the bed, Minagi yelped again and jumped out from underneath the covers holding her behind "Ouch! Ryoko!" She blushed and quickly phazed into her clothes. "I'm up, I'm up already! Put the damn sword away! Geez."
Clearly amused by the situation she had placed her sister in she folded her arms and tapped her foot "..Catching up eh? I'm sure you both had a lovely time last night, but you need to be ready.." Grumbling Minagi followed her sister to the line of men and women again, standing beside her and Nagi to her left, glancing sideways at Ryoko she muttered "..You'll understand when you get someone."
"What was that?"
"Oh. nothing"
Washu grinned at her two daughters and took a step forward "Alright. everybody's here. Go on and get breakfast, I'll inform you if anything comes up." All giving a sigh of relief they slowly left and went about their normal business, some went off to the medical bay to see if there was a remedy for 'mucho hangover'
After an hour or so of relaxed events Ryoko made her way over to the large wooden shack amidst the roots of the tree, she tapped on the door and then walked inside. There where Yume and Washu as expected, discussing something at a table. Ryoko raised and eyebrow and walked over. "Watcha talkin' bout?" The little redhead looked up "Ah. just the person we wanted to see." Ryoko's eyebrow raised higher as her mother motioned her to look at a set of diagrams she and Yume had been drawing up "What's this?" She asked, her confusion evident in the tone of her voice.
"This." Washu replied ".Is our latest plan for a robbery."
::End Chapter 1::
Shoujo-ai warning, ya don't like shoujo-ai themes. Piss off and go do something constructive. Alt-universe fic.
All comments about this fic are welcome, suggestions and so on should be sent to yokouragasi593@hotmail.com ^^
And please review!
((Yuffie))
::Bandit Nights, Chapter one::
::Thieves in shadows::
The owls hooted in the forest as the castle flags fluttered lightly in the breeze. A single guard, clad in a leather armored vest and small steel helmet walked back and forth along the ten meter stretch of front wall, his pike clanging every time her stopped at one end, spinning on his heels and walking back in the other direction. He'd glance out toward the vast forest every so often, there was little else to do and also to check if any enemies were coming. He'd glance out toward the vast forest every so often, there was little else to do and also to check if any enemies were coming.
The owls had stopped hooting.
A brief pause were his eyes darted back and forth and then an odd clanging of metal upon stone, he turned quickly to see a rope hook dig into the wall. Rushing over the guard peered over the side in time to be greeted by a little spiky red headed women hop over the wall, grin, shout "Hiya!" and bop him square on the head with the flat end of her overly large- considering her height- sword.
Eyes rolled into the back of his head and he fell to the ground, his helmet clanging slightly. The redhead grinned and craned her arm behind her back to place the sword in its holster. There was a light whooshing sound and a flash of cyan, out of nowhere a taller woman with the same spiky hair only shorter and less angular, materialized beside the shorter women, Her leather boots made a soft noise as they touched the ground. Straightening a single steel shoulder plate on her left arm she moved her hands down to smooth the material of her blue shirt. Then gazing down at the unconscious guard and the grinning half-pint she chuckled. "You know... if I didn't know any better I'd say ya enjoyed this mom..." The read-head looked up, a fang peeping over the top of her lip as her olive eyes shimmered in the moonlight.
"Of course I enjoy it!" She chimed "Hitting people is fun Ryoko!" Sticking out her leg she managed to trip up an angry oncoming guard sending him stumbling forward toward Ryoko. Who unsheathed her sword from it's place on her waist, shouldered it like a baseball bat and swung it into the guards gut, sending him careering over the castle wall and screaming into the forest. She chuckled again and placed her sword back in its position. The green eyed women smirked as Ryoko nodded in agreement "Yeh! It sure is!"
Giving a quick nod the women walked over to the side of the wall and peered over, placing two fingers in her mouth she whistled. And not a moment later many other rope hooks dug into the wall, there was a short second of silence and then a rush of hooded men and women piled over the wall. There was another similar whooshing sound and another women, identical to Ryoko up to the point where this girl had small scars traveling from her cheeks to the under curve of her jaw also appeared out of no-where. She was dressed in a green shirt and waistcoat and brown pants. A long staff in her hands she walked up to the red-head and saluted "All major threats have been cleared on the surrounding walls captain Washu" Washu frowned "How many times have I told you to call me mom? Only the other guys have to call me captain" The other golden-eyed girl smiled slightly "Yes mom..." Washu chuckled "That's a good girl Minagi"
Ryoko waved her hands in front of her as Minagi turned to her "And don't even think about calling me boss, ok?" Giggling Minagi nodded "Yeh alright Ryoko, anyways we got one of the guards to talk and he says that the treasure room is below us, threes a few more guards there" She grinned slightly and tapped her staff ".... But nothing we cant handle" Her tone was dangerous and made no room for doubts, she had obviously done this kind of thing many times. Ryoko nodded and made her way to the front of the congregating group of warriors.
Placing a hand on her hip she cleared he throat and spoke in such a voice that made it evident that she was in charge, and more over, all the warriors stopped their chatting and stood to listen "Right guys and gals..." She said, seemingly in a more relaxed way than any leader greeting their troops. But Ryoko was no ordinary leader "The treasure room is downstairs, there are a couple of guards down there. You should be fine but be extra careful just incase. And no unnecessary bloodshed unless its a life or death situation ok?" They all nodded "Ok, now I want the rest of defense team going to join up with captain Minagi's team, stealth team with captain Washu, Back up you stay here just in case and the rest come with me." Ryoko took a step back to let five women walk off toward Minagi and head over to the eastern wall, twelve or so men and women followed Washu down the steps into the armory to loot any weapons that may come in handy for later days. Ryoko looked at the back up just to her right and then over to her team, a small teams of four.
"Now, c'mon we're gonna go to the treasure room and get everything you can carry..." She grinned "And make sure you carry a lot... If we do well tonight, ill think about giving you guys a night off to relax and party ok?" The small group consisting of three women and one overly tall man raised their fists in the air and chanted "Ryoko! Ryoko! Long live the leader!" She shook her head and smiled, then grasping her sword hilt turned and headed off in the direction of the treasure room.
*** Deep down in the base of the castle two guards stood at the entrance of a heavily bolted door. They wore a large breastplate and carried two short swords in each hand, staring straight ahead of them up the long dark corridor only light by a single crackling torch- made them completely oblivious when Ryoko phased through the ceiling and landed softly behind them. Reaching out her hands to each guards head she rammed them both together, causing them to slump against each other in an unconscious pile. Whistling, footsteps could be heard coming along the corridor, four shadows cascaded along the corridor wall as Ryoko team turned the corner, their weapons blazing.
The first women, long jet black hair reaching her calves examined the clutter of the two men and giggled, relaxing her bow she walked over to Ryoko. "It seems as though you didn't even need us boss" Ryoko kicked the men clear of the door and aimed a slender finger at the huge lock, glancing over her shoulder as she sent a beam of light into it, vaporizing it in one go she chuckled "..Yeh, But I need you guys to help me carry the stuff right Xun?" Xun nodded, her orange eyes flickering in the torchlight. "Oh yeh.." She smiled and signaled for the two other women and the huge guy to follow her into the Treasure room after Ryoko.
Ryoko stood in the center of the room and gazed along the gold, silver, gems and much more valuable items that lay inside. Xun moved over to the right and pulled out a huge brown sack, along with Shina- an older women with short-cropped gray hair and glistening blue eyes she began to fill the bag. Gus a huge bulky bald man holding a battle-axe moved over to the left and he too began to fill his sack.
The last girl, a short elf like girl with long pointed ears came over- arms crossed and huffed looking up to Ryoko. Ryoko raised an eyebrow and looked down to her "Uh... what's up Yume?" Yume snorted and glared up at her " why didn't you let me go with the stealth team? Why am I stuck here loading sacks full of gold?" Chuckling in realization Ryoko smiled and wagged a finger at the short elfin girl "Becauuuuse mom wouldn't be able to concentrate on loading weapons and instead she'd be paying attention to you..." Yume pouted and looked innocent causing Ryoko to sweat drop "Ugh... just go and load the stuff wouldya? You and mom can catch up on your precious lost time later when we get back home ok?"
Snorting again Yume moved off to help Gus and fill her own sack, moving her way to the back of the room Ryoko pulled out her own bag, stuffing it with whatever she could, that was when it caught her eye.
At the far back of the room, placed on a stone stand stood a beautiful sword. Its mystical blue blade glistened giving it a sense of awe, a strange wooden hilt twisted into it. Licking her lips Ryoko floated over to it, her eyes sparkling in joy as she reached out and picked it up. Holding it gave her a feeling of great power and immediately she tied it to her belt, looked admired it for a while and then moved on to fill her sack again.
***
"Right guys move out we've got all we need" Watching the group of men and women file out of the armory with different weapons, large and small, armor and so on Washu nodded in approval. "Seems we've got ourselves a good haul.. Wonder how Ryoko's getting on" When the last of the group had moved out she followed on behind them and then over to the front wall. Minagi was already there and when she turned and saw Washu coming up toward them, she waved to her and her team began their decent back over the wall.
Waving back Washu made it to the wall "Hiya sweetie, so did you get anything?" Minagi nodded and pointed to her team with full sacks on their backs making their way down to the floor over the wall. "Yup, we got food, drink and some small bits of technological equipment that I thought you may like. Washu raised her eyebrows and nodded "Really? Like what?"
"Well, you know how this is a Juraian castle?" Washu nodded and Minagi continued "Seems it belongs to prince Yosho one of the kings children, his eldest in fact" A knowing smile appeared on the feline features of the small red head "... Juraian technology then?" Again Minagi nodded "Uh huh, we got some medical technology and even some Juraian transport" Washu's eyes widened "You got hover vehicles!?*" Minagi giggled and led washu to the front wall, pointing down below Washu peered over. And sure enough down at the bottom men and women were loading Juraian H.V's with sacks of loot. There was one large H.V a people carrier and the rest were small hover bikes, but the thing that Washu liked the most, was that the hover bikes were equipped with firepower. Two nice beam guns on either side of the front. She looked back to Minagi and shook her head grinning "You've done great sweetie, just wait till Ryoko hears" She smiled again and patted the taller girl on the shoulder "Now, you get yourself down there, I'll wait for you sister ok?"
"Ok!" Minagi waved before she phased down to join the others. Not long after that Washu spotted Ryoko and her group of four heading up the stairs toward them. Their sacks full and clanging as they moved, a small grin appeared on her face as she saw that Yume had used her brain and had gotten Gus to carry hers, she had her arms crossed and was pouting along side a slightly sweating Ryoko.
Yume made her way over to the small redhead and upon reaching her gave her a kiss on the lip and linked arms with her. Ryoko walked over and sighed, "I swear, she's been grumbling all the way up here. Complaining and insisting that you'd be.. And I quote: So so so so so so so, lonely without your love" She shook her head and scrunched her nose, Yume giggled. "..Well next time little Ryoko you'll know not to put me with you" Ryoko nodded in agreement.
"Hehe.. So what did you get sweetie?" Washu said, as Ryoko's group were told to go and load the H.V's "Well... we got plenty of gold, tons of Juraian rubies and some silver.." Then raising a finger she pointed to her waist "And i found this.. Nice aint it?" Washu's gasped and moved forward inspecting the sword "That's prince Yosho's! How did you get that?" Ryoko shrugged "It was in the treasury at the back.." She un-sheathed it and admired the strangely glowing blue blade "It's beautiful aint it?" Washu nodded and ran a hand along the blade "That is said to be the most powerful sword in the kingdom of Jurai, You got yourself a good weapon there." Sheathing it again Ryoko nodded "So I can keep it then?"
"Of course you can.. Just be careful with it, its full power isn't yet known, ill have to examine it when we get back..." They made their way to the front wall as the last of the thieves made their way over the wall and down to the floor. "So what did Minagi get?" Washu pointed a finger over the side and Ryoko whistled "H.V's? Nice.." Teleporting the remaining three to the floor they moved to Minagi. Thieves were already on horses and some had gotten onto the H.V's, Minagi herself was on one and signaled Washu and Yume to get onto the people carrier.
Walking over to the last remaining Hover bike Ryoko flew up to the front of the group. "Well! Everyone has done great tonight! For those of you who don't have to walk back home thank Minagi for nabbin' these H.V's" The band cheered Minagi's name and the girl giggled and blushed slightly. "Now I say a little celebration is in Order! So lets go home and party!" The band roared and chanted Washu's, Yume's, Minagi's and Ryoko's name. Mostly Ryoko, she was after all their trusted leader. Ryoko made a peace sign and waved a hand over her shoulder. "Well let's go then!" Riding after their leader on either Hover bikes, horses or the people carrier the troops made their way to celebrate.
*** "WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT!?" The servant cowered in Yosho's presence and nodded again. "S-Sir we have been robbed, our treasury is empty, the armory has been cleared our hover bikes and transport vehicle have been stolen and rations and medical equipment have also gone..." He drooped his head "And so has your highness's sword"
"M-MY SWORD!? Gone!?" Prince Yosho stood from his throne, his cape rustling. He cleared his throat and found a calmer tone "...Ahem.. Who did this?" The servant looked up and shook his head "..We are unsure; the guards are describing them as ghosts.. Disappearing and flying also shooting energy from their fingers.." The prince balled his fists "That sword is very powerful.. Should it fall into the hands of our enemies the kingdom shall surely fall to ruin.." She sat back down "Send message to my father.. I want the thieves caught and executed.." Quickly standing the servant rushed out of the hall bowing before her left "At once your highness"
***
Many miles away from Yosho's castle, the grand castle of Jurai stood, its beautiful stonewalls decorated with many huge trees outside and even in the castle itself. It was daytime now as many birds flew around the castle, perching upon the highest tower of this huge structure.
Inside this tower resided crown princess Aeka Jurai's bedroom and today the crowned princess herself. She sat at her dresser, brushing her long violet hair into place, a servant girl behind her styled the hair into two long tails that flowed down her back and almost touched the floor. Straightening the collar on the princess's regal Kimono the servant girl nodded "You look very beautiful princess Aeka, I am sure that the prince will surely think the same..." Aeka looked past her reflection and to the teal haired women behind her "Thank you very much Kiyone.." She said, a slight sigh accompanied her tone "...Though this does not change the fact that I hate the stupid pompous Seiryo that am suppose to marry.... Why he is even more feminine than I!"
Kiyone gave a slight chuckle "I know how girly he is, but I assure you that you are more feminine.. I also wish that you did not have to marry such a pansy if you excuse my use of words..." Aeka nodded and waved a hand as she stood up, slipping her arms into the long sleeves of her kimono "...Do not worry.. But that is what I should expect from arranged marriages..." She sighed again "Such is the life of a princess..."
A slight knock came at the door and Kiyone turned to answer it, "Ah.. Lady Misaki." Aeka's mother a tall long sky blue haired woman walked into the room, she nodded to Kiyone and the lady-in-waiting left. The second queen of the Jurai kingdom approached her daughter and smiled "Are you ready dear?" Taking in a quick breath of air she lifted her head and looked as noble as possible. Nodding she gave an impish smile to her mother "I am ready.. let us leave"
They made their way to the courtyard of the castle, where a Juraian transporter- a beautiful wooden carriage decorated with strips of gold waited outside. Kiyone opened the door and allowed the princess to get inside shortly accompanied by her mother. Aeka slid over to the seat next to the window and raised an eyebrow "Isn't mother Funaho coming?" Cheerily sitting next to her daughter and placing her hands on her lap Misaki nodded. "Yes, she'll be here any minute, lady Mihoshi is just helping her pick an outfit"
The princess visibly sweat dropped at the mention of her other mother's lady-in-waiting, the clumsiest servant in the entire castle yet Funaho still insisted that the blond be her personal servant. Queen funaho, the first queen of the Jurai kingdom was very kind and she said that she enjoyed having the bubbly woman around. True to be, Mihoshi had a heart of gold and never meant anyone any harm, just that she was a little. well heavy handed.
"Yooo hooo, Kiyoooooooooneeeeee!!" Sighing and looking to the castle steps Mihoshi could be seen giggling and running toward them, Funaho with an amused look on her face hurrying to keep up. The first queen held a hand in front of her face and chuckled, Mihoshi always seemed to brighten the day regardless of the weather.
Looking down and sweat dropping slightly at Mihoshi, who was hunched over panting Kiyone patted her friend on the back "You ok Mihoshi?" Standing straight Mihoshi puffed and nodded "Uh huh! Sorry we're late it took a while cleaning up the pot I broke. You know that funny one with the tree on it?" The teal haired woman's face suddenly drained of color "T-The.. one.. with.. the tree?"
Raising an eyebrow Mihoshi nodded again, this time slower "..uh yeh." The first queen chuckled and patted Kiyone on the shoulder "Do not worry, it is not the jar of Tsunami.. It is a replaceable one.. The Bizen jar.." A sigh of relief escaped the lady-in waiting's mouth though her color was still slow to return. She bowed a few times before shutting the carriage door after the queen and getting onto the front of the of the vehicle along side Mihoshi.
The blond chattered happily as Kiyone held the control unit steady and headed off toward Koshin castle.
*** Deep in the depths of Kagame forest there is a place known to very few, and those who have known about it without permission, seemingly had very short lives.
In this area of the forest there is a beautiful tree, but this tree is no ordinary tree. For this is the entrance to an underground fortress. In this fortress along the vast labyrinth of tunnels and passage-ways lives a group of thieves.
Their leader currently snoring away in her bed.
Her sleep was soon interrupted however as her mother, opened the tent front, furrowed her brow and tutted at Ryoko's still sleeping form and marched over. She stopped over the foot of the bed, crossed her arms and shook her head. "*Really* and to think that you're the most feared bandit in the whole of the Juraian kingdom." She sighed, and grasping the bed sheets pulled them off.
"Huh!? Wa!?" Ryoko shot up and looked about the room, her eye lids half shut her arms flailed around the place in an almost drunken stupor. She groaned and rubbed her eyes, looking to the side and seeing an obviously amused Washu holding the bed sheets she grumbled. "Uh. w-what time is it?"
The little redhead tossed the sheets aside and moved to bring Ryoko's clothes to her "Time you were up young lady." Ryoko floated out of bed and grabbed her blue pants and a leather jacket. Then putting on her usual armor, a strange design which only consisted of one mythril shoulder pad. She admired her reflection in the mirror for a while she winked. "Lookin' good"
She was about to place her old sword onto her waist when she remembered her newly acquired weapon. Making her way over to her table she kneeled on one leg and ducked under it, emerging with the sword now in hand. Washu made a curious "Hmm" sound as her daughter applied the sword and grinned.
"Better" she said "I'm getting used to this blade, its nice. Has a good feel to it"
Glowering at her daughter's back Washu angrily tapped her fingers on her shoulder, her own sword clanged about as she paced about a little. She looked pissed, if not a little cute as she waved her arms up in the air behind Ryoko's back "Ok ok! Do you mind stop lookin' at yourself in the goddam mirror and go out there ." She opened one end of the tent door and pointed outside to where Yume was plodding around holding her head and kicking any still sleeping men and women in an attempt to wake them "..And sought your band of not so merry men, you've gotta get these guys in line.. and they have major hangovers.."
She visibly sweat-dropped as Yume tried to wake up Xun, Shina and some other women, her kicks failed and she walked off grumbling her shoulders slouched. Then the sweat-drop grew much larger as the elfin woman came back holding a very large wooden club and proceeded in beating the living crap out of the women until they woke up.
Looking very pleased with herself Yume decided to pull out a taser gun and skip around electrocuting any stragglers. Washu herself sweat-dropped as she rushed out of the tent and toward her lover trying to pry the gun out of her hand.
Sighing Ryoko shook her head and followed Washu. As soon as she left the tent, any men or women who where awake to see her- quickly jumped up and stood as straight as they could. Even with her relaxed way of doing things she was well respected by them all.
As she walked to the front of she group she flicked back a strand of stray cyan and breathed in "ALRIGHT YOU LAZY GOOD FOR NOTHINGS! RISE AND SHINE!!" Any people who were asleep were most defiantly awake now. In a flurry of bodies and so on, Ryoko watched on in great amusement as her band of thieves banged into each other and knocked each other over filing into their regular order.
Now standing in a much more tidy way she glanced along each line checking that everyone was there. Looking to her side she saw that Yume and Washu had took up their positions beside her, but she stopped, glanced around and then growled. "Ok." She said, placing a hand to her head "Where the fuck is Minagi and Nagi? They should be here." Xun blushed and raised her hand.
"Uh. boss" Her tiny voice was barely heard over the commotion and other chatting, Ryoko raised an eyebrow "..Yeh? What?" The young girl's blush deepened as her foot shuffled around on the floor "They're both in Nagi's tent.. Still" Ryoko's eyes widened slightly and she glanced over to her mother "..You gotta get her spayed.." Before marching off toward Nagi's tent.
As she approached the tent she could hear her younger sister's giggling and. other noises. A stress mark made itself clearly visible as she marched over to it and flung the flaps of the entrance open. "ALRIGHT!" Minagi yelped and dived under the covers as a naked Nagi just raised a clearly frustrated eyebrow. "OUT! Now get in line, everyone is waiting for ya! Move it move it!"
Huffing the red eyed women dressed herself and rushed off to join the others as Ryoko pulled out her sword and began poking the lump under the bed, Minagi yelped again and jumped out from underneath the covers holding her behind "Ouch! Ryoko!" She blushed and quickly phazed into her clothes. "I'm up, I'm up already! Put the damn sword away! Geez."
Clearly amused by the situation she had placed her sister in she folded her arms and tapped her foot "..Catching up eh? I'm sure you both had a lovely time last night, but you need to be ready.." Grumbling Minagi followed her sister to the line of men and women again, standing beside her and Nagi to her left, glancing sideways at Ryoko she muttered "..You'll understand when you get someone."
"What was that?"
"Oh. nothing"
Washu grinned at her two daughters and took a step forward "Alright. everybody's here. Go on and get breakfast, I'll inform you if anything comes up." All giving a sigh of relief they slowly left and went about their normal business, some went off to the medical bay to see if there was a remedy for 'mucho hangover'
After an hour or so of relaxed events Ryoko made her way over to the large wooden shack amidst the roots of the tree, she tapped on the door and then walked inside. There where Yume and Washu as expected, discussing something at a table. Ryoko raised and eyebrow and walked over. "Watcha talkin' bout?" The little redhead looked up "Ah. just the person we wanted to see." Ryoko's eyebrow raised higher as her mother motioned her to look at a set of diagrams she and Yume had been drawing up "What's this?" She asked, her confusion evident in the tone of her voice.
"This." Washu replied ".Is our latest plan for a robbery."
::End Chapter 1::