No Regrets

Authors Notes: Okay it's a snow day and I'm a little fiction happy today having actual free time for the past day or so to work. Being in Theatre in college tends to keep me going off and on in activity so I apologize before hand. I rather like this way to format my stories better. Well hope you figured out who old mysterious man is who vanished off roof! This is going to be probably the best thing I've ever gotten to type due to the creativity I had to muster up. I'm sorry I can't fit every single character into this chapter so I'm favoring many over others… especially when I build couples… tee hee hee. I'm also sorry there likely won't be any yaoi in my couplings. Just a forewarning for any hoping. I'm also on a mission to redeem some of the changes in characters between SW1 and SW2… such as Keiji and Okuni… Yea be prepared. Also this is long and might seem a little redundant but find out what you're favorite characters are up to in this chapter and the next!

Chapter One – Invitations

One… two… three…

CRACK! A large foot seemed to nearly effortlessly kick the door of the apartment right off its hinges. The door way was empty but protocol called for the two to pull back until they were certain cross fire wasn't automatic. The two officers had asked for this bust, they NEEDED this bust to get back on track in the office.

"You first…" The blonde haired man glanced over at his partner with a smirk before cracking his knuckles.

"I don't see why you don't just use a gun…" His comrade spat before raising up his gun and entering the apartment finger already on the trigger. Taking a step he kept his gun aimed high, turning each direction before cautiously lowering it. "Keiji… Coast is clear."

"Gotcha Mago."

Quickly the gunman's partner entered the room searching for any sign of life… but it was strangely silent. This had been the right address, but this place seemed dead, "Damn it Magoichi you sure this is the place?"

Walking to one of the bed room doors he frowned slightly, "Yes! Certain…" Carefully he dropped one hand from his gun twisting the doorknob then violently pushing it open aiming his gun for the opposite wall just incase. Another white wall, but this one was splattered with red. Wait… His eyes shifted to the floor suddenly. "Holy shit!!"

"What?!" Quickly the taller man ran up peering through the door way and the very sight caused his own eyes to widen a little. "…Whoa."

On the floor lay the men they were after only they lay in several pieces. No bullets, no knives, it was like someone took a blade to the two of these men rather viciously. Putting his gun away, Magoichi stepped over one of the bodies to enter the room. "Fuck, there goes that bust."

"Yo…Mago." Keiji soon followed in the room his attention on something in the corner, "Those packages, maybe they have the drugs?"

"The brawn has some brains too."

"Yea yea…" He waved the comment off with little thought before kneeling down to pick up one of the packages. His heart seemed to almost stop for a moment as he noticed there were two, each with envelopes stuck to each. "…These are addressed to us."

xXx

A happy tune was being hummed as she swept the stairs of the shrine, not even chores were going to keep her down. The rain the night before had watered the grass saving her from one more chore which meant her time could be spent doing other things such as dancing! That or practicing her monologue that she was going to do in class, it would still be interesting how the rest of the students reacted for her, a woman, doing a piece from a Kabuki play.

It'd been two months since her last death dream, which meant maybe things were finally looking up. Every time it was the same one through, she would be standing there in front of a tall blonde man, trying to convince him to come with her… She was oddly dressed in miko's outfit… When a blade would…

"Okuni! Are you day dreaming?"

"Oh sorry Madame!" She turned looking to an older woman, "…Um Himeko what is that?"

"I don't know your mother ran by said it was at the house for you. She think it might be from a boy."

"Ooooh." Taking it she looked at the package pulling the envelope out with a small smile on her face. "Wonder if its Shinji…or maybe Kojiro… He has such dreamy eyes."

"Well..?"

Pulling the letter out of the envelope, she opened it beginning to read it. "Its not from a boy…" Okuni replied rather disappointed at this notion but the rest of the content would quickly perk the girl up, "Seems I've won some random drawing of Earth Inc. and I get to attend some big party they're hosting! Oh… a costume party it seems. They even sent me a costume… How flattering. U simply cannot wait! Imagine the people going to be there…"

"If you're going to day dream do it while you're sweeping at least so you're being slightly productive?"

"Yes Ma'am"

xXx

Off with the ignition. Keys pulled out, and off the bike. After fixing the pair of sunglasses he wore, the man took the tooth he had in his mouth and flicked it away. He hadn't been home in over forty eight hours due mainly to an obnoxious hang-over and he hadn't the will to leave the party site. No real action lately, actually it'd been surprisingly dead quiet. Since the incident where he had shot that officer Ling Cao everyone was trying to remain on the down low. Of course this forced him to actually go to his job, which was working out of his home, doing occasionally smuggling jobs for those willing to pay good money.

Walking up the stairs his eyes became fixated on the missing door keys. Grr… Twisting the door handle a little, lifting up, and then pushing the door in (tricky handle). Folding his arms he looked around, "What the hell are you doing here?"

"Here to tell you about the job offer, Ning." An older man replied folded his arms, "Package detailing it was on mine porch and apparently yours to."

"Do you raid everyone's mail like this, Gramps?" Gan Ning muttered running a hand through his spiky blonde hair before taking off his sunglasses. "So Mr.T whats the job?"

"If you're too hung over to remember my name its Huang Gai you idiot." Growing obviously annoyed at how many different nicknames the boy found to call him each day.

"Yea yea."

"Anyways Earth Inc wants us apparently to do something for them." Huang Gai picked up the package for Gan Ning, tossing it over in his direction, who successfully managed to catch it with on hand. "We're attending some party of theirs to get details there. Gave us some costumes…take a look at yours."

"…" Gan Ning warily set down the package beginning to open it then paused, "There's no fucking way… Who do they think I am David Bowie?"

"You'll wear it and go."

"Fuck no…"

"Need I remind you rent?"

"….Fine." The biker growled sitting down on the couch a look of disgust on his face. "Better be good pay.'

xXx

"In other news today the famous Qiao sisters have been reported missing. The two were said to b-" Quickly the television set the news report was being broadcast on was turned off.

"Hey I was watching that! The Qiao sisters have kidnapped! Can you-"

"Sun Ce its meeting time…" His long haired friend muttered before looking to the front of the table.

"Oh… Heh. Thanks Zhou Yu." Spinning his chair once he turned to look at his father who was standing at the front of the room, "So what is this meeting about pops?"

"Well its just a monthly recounts of the number of successful clients and court cases in the past month. Which seem to not shockingly remained at constant rate of both success and fails. Though Sun Ce last week we need to talk about your case in which you decked out that prosecutor."

"In my self-defense the man called me a loose cannon. Not only that but I am a defense attorney and he was clearly picking on that poor old blind woman."

"Who poisoned her husband…" Zhou Yu slipped in quietly.

"It was all circumstantial evidence." He replied folding his arms flashing his friend a slight frown at the notion that nice old lady would do such a thing.

"ANYWAYS!" Jian spoke up over his biological son and the man that might of well been another member of the Sun family since he had been hanging around Ce since the two of them met in first grade. "Quan, the budget looks good, you've done a fine job managing. Also Zhou Tai hats off to you for the work dealing with that nasty paparazzi when we helped that crazy man win custody of the kids from his insane wife."

"Who would of thought he was the better parent." Sun Ce snickered slightly rocking back in his chair.

"DAD!!"

"Shang Xiang we're in the middle of a business meeting."

"But we've all been personally invited a costume party being hosted by Earth Inc!" She exclaimed excitedly holding up several packages, six in total. "Each of these are personally marked with our names on them and hand picked costumes!"

"Earth Inc?" Quan inquired shooting Zhou Tai a curious glance, who only shrugged his shoulders.

"Yes Earth Inc. Its some billion dollar corporation that is known for founding a lot of historical foundations. Does a lot of work with old weaponry I hear to. They do a bit of this and that, but what matters is we're gaining enough popularity to be invited to huge social events. It would threatening to our reputations if we didn't go…"

"We?" Quan smirked, "We said you get to you, you're the secretary."

"There's a package marked here especially me! Even one for Zhou Tai!"

"…?" Sitting up Zhou Tai's eyes fixated on the packages for a moment before looking away in thought. Something about this all seemed awfully odd, but at least he'd be going to ensure the safety of the Sun family.

xXx

His hands were trembling. Excitement, rage, anticipation all rushing through him as he stared at the letter from Earth Inc.

Ling Tong,

We've heard of the death of your father, and our condolences to your family for having to suffer with that. We managed to capture on one of our security cameras the entire incident, and have identified the man that has murdered him. He will be attending as a guest of our party in two days. Consider this an invitation to find him. In this is a costume that we have provided since it is a theme party. The man's name is Gan Ning, he isn't hard to pick out of a crowd. We're willing to help you in this."

Earth Inc.

Somehow they had identified the man that had killed his father, which was the biggest favor anyone had done him so far. While the rest of the force was on top of it no one had given him a break like this. Not like the police would let him settle this personally anyways.

"I'll kill him… I'll avenge your death father… I swear it."

xXx

"Checkmate."

"Bullshit."

"Check for yourself."

"… You cheated."

"Can you ever admit it when you're beaten Zhongda?"

"Not until I'm certain you didn't pull any shit Kongming, that should have been a stale mate. Especially while you're half distracted reading that piece of garbage." Sima Yi muttered looking over the chess pieces on the board.

"Miss Yue Ying's books are not pieces of garbage if you have any sense of taste." The other man frowned before glancing around the rest of the lounge then looking back to Zhongda. 'Are you planning on attending?"

"Hmm?"

'That Earth Inc. party. I know you're the only one on campus who got an invite also." Zhuge Liang remarked.

Sima paused for a moment, "…I'm considering it."

"Considering? You're throwing away opportunity at some fame and glory? Are you ill? Doesn't sound like you at all." The man chuckled a little at the thought. "I intend to go, besides rumor has it that Yue Ying will be there. I would not miss out on an opportunity to meet her in person."

"…I better go to guarantee you don't make too big of a mistake, rumors say she isn't much of a looker."

"That's shallow of you, picking beauty over brains. I'd thought better…"

"Save the lecture for your philosophy class." Sima Yi waved his hand. "Best two out of three.."

"If you insist"

xXx

"Another wonderful performance my lady."

"Thank you…" The lovely lady purred stretching, "I ever told you I find how dull I find these concerts Junyi?"

"Only every other time you hit the stage.." He replied with a smirk motioning to the vanity, "Brought you some Starbucks, figured you could use some since your Ex-husband was the director this evening. Yua-"

"Don't waste your breath by uttering his name." That sweet voice taking a icy tone. Walking to the vanity she picked up the cup enjoying the delightful aroma emitted from the drink, "Mocha, Junyi I could kiss you."

"I'll pass."

"I know you will." Zhen Ji smiled finally setting her flute down into its protective case. Not that this one would be lasting her too much longer, these ones wore out rather quickly it seemed. Pity, she still hadn't found that perfect instrument yet. Glancing over to Zhang He she noted two packages next to him, "What are those?"

"Oh, something about a costume party at Earth Inc or something. They want both you and me to attend…"

"Costumes… sounds odd."

"I rather like mine, its purple…"

"Sounds like something you'd wear…"

"Lets go! It'll be fun."

"I don't know…" A frown crossed her lips, "Things are still messy from the divorce, you know that."

"Ah yes but you know that mystery man whose been sending you the flowers whose name I've been sworn to complete and utter secrecy or else?"

"Yes…."

"He'll be there."

"……We're going"

"I knew I could persuade you." Zhang He smirked rather dramatically rising out of his chair in an elegant manner, "Which means darling there is some dance practicing to be done. Come! Time to work on my delivery …"

"And book our flights to Tokyo."

xXx

Both warriors sank to their knees spears held loosely in theirs hands, and the two of them panting heavily. Sparring was always interesting when you put two students at the top of their classes against each other. Sanada Yukimura and Zhao Yun, two men who one would think brothers if not two different ethnicities. Zhao Yun though was over seas here to study under the Sanada family due to the death of his recent sensei, and the gracious invitation to host him to further his training.

"Both of you are doing excellent. But I want you both to remember something as you fight." Yukimura's father smiled taking a step out looking at the two, "When acting remember a weapon is an extension of one's self not simply a tool. You must be able to wield it as if it is simply another limb on your body…"

"Yes Father."

"Yes Sensei.."

The two's voices over lapping as then pressed their foreheads to the ground in respect.

"Get up… there are some packages labeled for the two of you… and dinner is ready."

"Ah at last!" Yukimura rose to his feet offering his hand to Zhao Yun with a grin, "Lets not keep mother waiting, you know how she gets. Besides I want to see this package, we hardly ever get mail."

"Then we determine who won the match." Zilong said under his breath so only Yukimura could catch it. Had Master Sanada or his mother caught win of them keeping count they'd be scrubbing the floor with toothbrushes for a month.

xXx

"Why did they package them together! I can't tell which goes to whoooo…" Whined the brunette that sat cross legged as her twin dug through the box, "We won a contest, get costumes and it says that there is one specified for each but no labels."

"Maybe we're supposed to know."

"Possibly but that's a weird way to do it don't you think Nene?" She frowned pulling out a white top with a pair of pink pants, "This is kind of weird…but I like it. Whats they other outfit?"

"Its yellow!" Nene exclaimed gleefully, "I claim this one mine!"

"…You can have it…I don't see pants with that…" Kunoichi's eyes fixated a little worriedly upon her twin's outfit, "Are these like ninja outfits?"

"They look like it…"

"A little bright don't you think?"

"I think a little color is good, who'd want to dress in dark colors all the time. Its so depressing!"

"Yea.. Hmmm I like this hat a lot."

"Okay now that's just silly for a ninja to wear."

"You're the one gonna wear yellow, so don't insult the hat."

xXx

"FATHER!!" She cried out watching his body hit the concrete, the man standing there with the gun still aimed at where she had been standing. Hot tears streamed down her cheeks, her knees growing weak, and the wall seemed the only place she could successfully catch herself. "Someone ple-"

Soon his gun was aimed at her however silencing her quickly, "Now…what do we have here? A pretty little thing aren't ya?" Licking his lips the horrid man gave her another look over, "We could have ourselves some fun here you know."

His hand grabbed for her shirt, ripping at a portion of it, "Scream and I'll make you're life miserable.." The assailant threatened pressing himself against her. Tensing the small framed woman searched for her escape, yet she found none. A gun was aimed at her, his intentions well known by now, and her father lay dead in the alley not far from her. Squirming a little she managed to get a hand to raise and strike the man across the face, cutting his cheeks with her nails.

"You little bitch…"

Those eyes of his flared up in fury his gun's aim fixated once more on her, this time his finger on the trigger. Was he going to shoot her? Strike her? A shadow would block any light from entering the alley way depths suddenly, a shadow that loomed well over her and her attack.

"How pathetic..."

Her eyes lifted to find that a large hand took hold of the arm holding the gun. The grasp tighted causing her assailant to scream in pain and she closed her eyes, soon following a nasty snapping of bones was heard. If she wasn't paralyzed in fear she'd be sick to her stomach by this point in time. She could hear the man screaming in agony, whoever had interrupted could kill the man she was certain, but opening her eyes she saw him just standing there looking at him.

"So desperate to resort to rape… a waste." The man glared before fixating his eyes upon her. That gaze…

"Lu Bu…"

And then she awoke sitting up in her bed looking about almost frantically until she saw the tall muscular figure standing in her door way. Her eyes widened a little then shot down to her sheets again. "Lu Bu… I-I'm sorry."

"You were having nightmares again?" Never one to dodge around the point. "Of the attack?"

"I…" She tried to explain herself, but he was starting to know her too well.

"I heard you screaming in your sleep from my room Diao Chan." Glancing over his shoulders for a moment he seemed to check if anyone was even up, before closing the door behind him. "You don't have to lie about it."

"Lu Bu, I just don't want you to worry too much…" She replied weakly, "You've done so much already I don't want to be a burden in your home."

Lu Bu, there wasn't a soul in Asia who didn't know the man's name. He was martial arts champion who was yet to lose a match to anyone. That night she had been attacked and her father killed, something had smiled upon her when he heard the ruckus and came to her rescue. While hospitalized he had come to note only visit her, but extended an invitation to stay with in his home due to lack of place for Diao Chan to go.

"You won't ever be a burden in this house hold Diao Chan." He responded having expected that reply from her. Walking to her bed side he sat himself down looking seriously at her for a moment. "Not a mark left…"

"The bruised are gone entirely. I was able to dance yesterday even…"

"I noticed…"

Her face flushed a little as she realized that he had caught sight of her dancing about while in the midst of cooking his dinner. Past two weeks she had insisted on cooking meals personally for him, to help repay him for saving her.

"Diao Chan…" He started, "We're going to Tokyo…"

"We?"

"Yes. I was sent an invitation for a party being held by Earth Inc. I intend on going to see what this is about, but they also sent a package and invitation with your name upon it as well." He stated.

"Wait… why me? I-I'm not anyone important…"

"That's your theory…" He laughed a little before rising up off her bed, "Besides I prefer not to show up knowing you might be having nightmares alone back in China. We'll be leaving later this afternoon to catch our flight."

"Alright." She smiled weakly at him feeling butterflies starting to fly around in her stomach.

"I've started breakfast, take your time getting up though." He almost smiled there it seemed before turning and walking out of her room.

"Lord Lu Bu…" She muttered softly.

Lord? Where had that come from?