This is based on a work and its sequel by HistorianoftheKais titled "Prince of the Planets" with the sequel "Crest of the King." This was born out of reading those two and having what appears to be an over-active imagination. I do not own Ranma ½ or Sailor Moon. This is also my first crossover and there should be appearances by most of both casts. I do recommend reading the works this is based off of first, else you won't have too good of an idea of what is going on.
In the Reborn Kingdom, Chapter 37, Honeymoon Hijinx
They had arrived the evening before and enjoyed a light, quiet dinner in a nearby restaurant that had been recommended to them. They were dressed in light comfortable clothing when their plane had landed, and Paul and Nabiki were alone for the better part of two weeks. It was easy enough to get a taxi to their hotel which was right on the beach. It wasn't the tallest hotel, but it was comfortable and lavish enough for what they wanted. The view from their balcony was stunning when watching the sunrise, if you were up that early. The curtains were opened as was the sliding glass door to their balcony, allowing the breeze from the Pacific to drift into their room. It went without saying that Nabiki and Paul were enjoying their stay in Okinawa.
Nabiki stirred first and she relished the warmth that she shared with her husband. At home there could have been an intruder, but Lady had learned not to jump up on the bed already. It only took one night in her crate to learn that lesson. Thankfully Lady also loved being with the kids, Yui, and her father, so Nabiki was not concerned. No the focus of her study was sleeping next to her and the two of them were nude. They had spent part of the evening last night exploring their love, and it was great. The both of them were panting and sweaty afterwards to say nothing about being happy and satisfied. She rolled onto her other side and studied the man she had come to know and to love so deeply.
Normally, relationships like theirs tended to end up in failure more often that not. However the two of them were a pair of determined individuals and neither was willing to give up on the other. Oh there had been some arguments during their courtship, thankfully with some prodding from Soun and Yui they worked to settle those differences. It had made them stronger as a couple, and doing their morning and evening katas, to say nothing about bathing together, had helped even more. They had to ride herd on the twins in the bath on occasion, but they didn't mind.
Nabiki turned on her side and continued her study of her sleeping husband. He looked so calm and peaceful. There was the occasion when he had a nightmare and it would be evident on his face, but not now. He was a study in contentment really. She kissed the tip of his nose and watched him start to stir. He stretched himself a bit and opened his eyes to see his smiling wife. "Morning beautiful," he greeted her, followed by a kiss on her lips.
"Morning there stud," replied Nabiki with a kiss of her own. "How did you sleep?"
He smiled, "Wonderfully." He looked at her and then asked, "And you?"
"I was out like a log," she replied with an impish grin. She stretched a bit under the covers and a few things popped. "Want to get up?"
"No," answered Paul, "However I'm getting hungry and I'd like to get cleaned up a bit."
Nabiki smiled at him, "Remember, kata first!" Her tone was deceptively chipper, but he knew she was right. So without fanfare, but with a kiss the two rose out of bed and went to the living area of their suite. They moved the couch over and without bothering to get dressed they worked together on their katas. Oh it was a bit difficult to keep focused, as Nabiki was ogling Paul, and Paul was doing the same to Nabiki. However together they got through it, but with some laughter. The reset the couch and headed to clean up. It was a simple and quick joint shower with a nice soak in the tub together. Rising and drying off the pair went back to their room where Nabiki slid into a purple strapless bikini. Over that she pulled on a pair of shorts and a t-shirt. Paul slid into his bathing suit, which for him was a pair of comfortable swim shorts. He pulled on a t-shirt as well and he grabbed his wallet. They walked to the entry of their suite and pulled on comfortable sandals that they had purchased for the trip, grabbed their beach bag, and headed out the door for the elevator.
They chose the simple but filling buffet that was available and they took their time. Neither was in a hurry, and right now they were just enjoying each other's company for the moment. When they departed they headed for the beach entrance, and an ever helpful member of the staff guided them to their waiting lounge outside. The hotel was somewhat exclusive in some respects, and the management was well aware of who they were and who they worked for. So the management was working to try and give them as much privacy as they could. However the beach area is a fairly public area. As they sat a set of nice fluffy towels was made available and they chose to lie out in the sun. They put the tanning oil on each other and just chose to relax for a while. Paul started out lying on his back, while Nabiki chose to lie on her stomach and undid the back of her bikini to eliminate a tan line.
"This is wonderful," remarked Paul.
"Agreed," replied Nabiki. "Didn't see much of the tropical climes?"
He smirked a bit, "Oh I did, but it was usually when I was aboard a ship or flying."
She chuckled a bit on that comment, as she knew he was probably right anyhow. "Hey put some oil on my back please," she requested. Smiling he vacated his lounge and stepped over to his half naked wife. He parked himself partially on the lounge she was on and poured some of the now slightly sun warmed oil into his hand. Slowly and gently he worked it into her exposed skin, even teasing areas beneath the bikini. He took care of her exposed neck and arms as well.
"Hold out your hand for a bit," he requested. She complied and he poured a bit into her hand. "Get your face and ears too, they can burn quick."
"I know," she agreed, "Thanks." She took care of her face and purred when he started on her legs. She nearly melted when he paid particular attention to her feet. So it was a very relaxed Nabiki who chose to lay her head back down and just relax in the warmth. It was a half hour later when she hooked her bikini top and rolled over. Smiling a bit she decided it would be better with just a couple of minor modifications. She sat up and raised the back up to a comfortable position. She then got off and moved the lounge right next to her husband's and promptly parked herself back on it. She reapplied some more oil on her front and reached for Paul's hand. Almost unconsciously he was reaching for her hand, and they sat there under the sun while holding hands.
It was nearly twenty minutes later of sunning themselves and drinking in each other's presence when Paul released her hand and sat up, "You want something to drink?"
She regarded him for a moment and then replied, "Yeah I would. Could you get me an orange juice, pulp free?"
He smiled at Nabiki, "No problem. One pulp-free OJ on the way." He leaned over for a quick kiss, stood, and headed off to the outside bar. She decided that her skin needed a break and she grabbed the remote and pushed a button. A motor kicked in and a cloth roof, that was nice and translucent, began to cover the area they had been sunning themselves in. She reached into their bag and snagged Paul's English copy of JRR Tolkein's The Hobbit. She had read it in Japanese many years ago, but she found she liked the English version as well. It was a fairly worn and dog-eared copy that Paul had, and she knew he liked to read it as well. He was neck deep in The Two Towers and was probably going to finish it during their honeymoon.
So it was with some surprise that a shadow intruded on her read and standing before her were three guys, dressed in what could be best described in gaudy suits and tacky jewelry. 'Wannabe sharks,' she thought, 'Too bad for them they don't know real predators.' She looked at them with a level eye, "Gentlemen, you are blocking my light."
"Aw come on," drawled the middle one in height. His blonde hair was slicked back and his face had angular features with a decidedly pointed chin and nose. He was dressed in a white suit with an awful purple shirt and a sloppily tied white tie. His sunglasses were mirrored with white frames. It was more than obvious that he considered himself a predator of women. His largest companion was large in build, but it was evident to her trained eye that he relied on his bulk, and he didn't have the muscle to go with it. He was bald either from genetics or by choice, she really couldn't tell at the moment. The shortest one had spiky green hair and his suit was a gaudy shade that matched his hair. She could tell that they had some fighting experience, but nothing like she and her sisters, to say nothing of what her husband had.
"We're just out admiring the view," lisped the smallest one.
"Yeah and we really like the view," added the big one as he leered at Nabiki.
"Well you are spoiling my view by your very presence," stated Nabiki in her best Ice Queen mode, "So I suggest you leave before you learn a lesson you may not like."
"Little lady thinks she is tough boys," drawled the middle one.
"Oh it is not me you have to worry about," stated Nabiki as she regarded them, "It is my husband."
They laughed at her statement. "Oh is he some sort of though guy?"
"Perhaps," stated Paul. Heads shot up and they regarded him.
"What's this? You married some stupid gaigin?" complained the blonde. It was clear to everyone that he really was the leader.
Nabiki caught Paul's eye, and just nodded. She also took note of the security staff approaching. They knew quite well who was staying here and how talented they were. "Gentlemen, you have until my wife catches the orange juice to leave," stated Paul in a very dangerous tone.
"What you gonna do? Throw it? I'll catch it even before she gets it, then what ya gonna do?" inquired the punk in the white suit.
Paul smiled ever so slightly and his hand blurred for just a moment. The orange juice was in Nabiki's hand with an audible impact. The three thugs were stunned; they never even saw the can. By some unconscious reaction the smallest of the group pulled a butterfly knife and began to open it.
With their jaws still on the ground Paul was able to strike first. Big and ugly went down first with a pair of rapid kicks to his knees, a series of rabbit punches to his kidneys, and a nice chop to the neck that stunned him and took him out of the fight. The leader was next and received a broken nose for his efforts, a fist to the gut that drove the air out of his lungs for his efforts, and a chop to his neck to stun him while security was quickly approaching.
Nabiki was not inactive during Paul's initial action. She had figured the big guy was there because of his bulk and his untrained strength, the middle guy and obvious leader of the little troupe had some skill, but no where near the reaction time needed. The shortest of the bunch also had training, and if her eyes and training weren't failing her, he had some weapons hidden on his person. So when the small one pulled his knife and big ugly started his fall to the ground Nabiki made her move. She almost blurred as she moved. With the index and middle fingers of her right hand she struck a nerve on shorty's arm that had the immediate effect of numbing his hand so he couldn't use it. She jabbed a point on his shoulder that caused the now numbed hand to drop to the side. She struck at his ribs, once on each side and it had the effect of separating a couple of ribs. She found herself standing behind him and she used his jacket to pin his arms into place. She held him by the collar with her left hand and kicked at the back of his knees driving him down. She held her right hand out flat and held it to shorty's throat. It was at that time the punk realized that one, he was in serious trouble, and two it almost felt like she was holding a blade to his throat.
By now the hotel security was on hand, as was one of the senior managers. He regarded the thugs with nothing less than total contempt. "I warned you to keep away from this establishment, and it seems however that you are totally incapable of following simple instructions again."
The security detail by now had surrounded the trio and was busy helping them to their feet to hand them over to the local law enforcement. The battered and bruised leader of the group looked with undisguised contempt at the General Manager, "My father will deal with you."
The manager focused on the punk and replied, "I have already informed your father of what occurred. He is eager for your return." He wordlessly nodded to the security staff who promptly proceeded to march the thugs off to the waiting arms of the local law enforcement. He looked to the newlyweds with a wry smile. "I apologize for not stopping them sooner, though I am grateful that you did not get hurt." He smiled broadly, "I haven't seen action like that since I visited family in Nerima!"
Nabiki chuckled at that, "Well I happen to be from Nerima originally and we both have been training under some tough Masters in the past few years."
The manager chuckled and just shook his head, "I should have known." He focused on the pair and smiled warmly, "Well enjoy the rest of your honeymoon." They shared a mutual bow and the couple sat back down and began to read.
It wasn't twenty minutes later when Nabiki's head shot up and her eyes went wide. She turned to Paul and asked, "Are you absolutely sure you aren't blood related to Ranma?" That started a chuckle from Paul, which was answered by Nabiki, and then the couple shared a good laugh before returning to their books.
He limped back into his family home through the back entrance. He had hoped to come in unnoticed, but much to his chagrin his sister stood there with a steely expression and ice cold gaze. "What the fuck do you want?" he asked.
She smirked at her brother's impertinence, "Still acting the eternal idiot I see. Father will no longer protect you from your actions anymore."
He fixed his sister with a dark gaze, hoping for once he'd be able to intimidate her. "Shut your hole bitch. I'll be running this family when the old coot finally kicks. Then you'll answer to me."
"Don't be so sure Tsubasa," remarked the sister. "The only thing you are good for is wasting money and acting as light muscle." Her gaze narrowed and her eyes bore into her brother's, "Father is waiting for you with others in his study. I suggest for your continued health not to dawdle and whine."
"Bitch," mumbled Tsubasa. He was in trouble and he knew it. He grumbled as he walked away and he was forming plans on how to take care of that bitch and her gaigin husband from earlier.
She shook her head and watched him walk toward his meeting. Chihaya Wantanabe was sure that he'd try something stupid. She just hoped against hope that she'd be able to control the damage Tsubasa would do to the family. She was Yakuza and she was proud of that fact. She sighed and headed off to her room where he elderly Aunt and Uncle were there to inspect the work they had done on her back. She had to admit it was quite a striking and beautiful tattoo, and she was finally fully healed from it.
They were tanned rested from last night's activities, and now touring around the area. Okinawa was rich with history and Nabiki led Paul to many striking places that had a beauty and magnificence all their own. They had many pictures taken together, and the locals were very impressed with Paul's command of their language. Nabiki kept silent on how he "knew" Japanese, but Paul was at his absolute best in his interactions. Oh they had gotten some funny looks, but most were happy for the couple.
Dinner was at a nice family sushi bar and they both ate more than they probably should have, but the food was just that good. They walked hand-in-hand down the quiet street, just soaking in each others presence again. Nothing was said, mostly because nothing needed to be said at that point. They were just happy to be together.
However that didn't mean they shut off their minds, no both were observing the area around them. A fairly nondescript car had passed by them a couple of times and both had noticed the occupants staring at them. Wordlessly they picked up the pace to get back to the hotel, or to hail a taxi to drive them back. They had unconsciously considered roof hopping, but this part of Japan was not used to it, and neither wanted to cause a scene. They both spotted the same car again, and they finally got a good look at the occupants. The hairs on the back of their necks stood up in alarm as they realized that the poorly disguised occupants were the trio that they had dealt with at the start of their honeymoon. They shared a look and took the next turn to get away from any potential bystanders.
Unfortunately this spooked the trio of idiots, and the smallest one, who was sporting up a nice tape job on his ribs, pulled out something that was just about unheard of in Japan. He pulled a 9mm pistol out of his jacket and cocked the weapon. He rolled the back window and leaned out.
They were walking and a young family was almost on top of them. Both had well honed danger senses thanks to a wonderful combination of training from Ranma, Soun, Genma, and quite a few Amazon Elders. They shared an almost desperate look with each other regarding the innocents. They were moving before the first shot was let off, but not before another female bystander spotted the gun and screamed.
The shots rang out, totally wild in their aim, and thankfully Nabiki and Paul were able to protect the young family before them, however Nabiki's right shoulder erupted in a searing hot pain and she screamed in agony. Paul remained focused on the vehicle in spite of the cry of agony from his wife. He extended his palm and without a word a ball of red tinged ki streaked out and impacted the rear quarter of the vehicle causing some severe problems for the continued drive-ability of the object in question. He knew who it was and he would find them later.
Nabiki was panting through clenched teeth as the scared mother was trying to calm her crying children, while her husband was trying to help Nabiki. Paul was at her side in an instant gently probing and using the lessons he had received from Tofu and Amazons to deaden the pain for a time. "It looks like a clean pass through," stated Paul in a cold clinical tone that carried an undercurrent of unbridled rage. "I'm not seeing any signs of bone damage."
Nabiki focused on Paul and she gave him a glare which he chose to ignore at that point as he used strips of cloth provided by a nearby shopkeeper to dress the wounds. With a sigh of resignation she pulled out something that looked almost like a US military identification tag, but it was a colored crystal with a seam down the middle. She handed it to Paul without words. Paul looked at her with some surprise. "Are you sure?" he asked with some concern.
She gave him a weak smile. "Yes I am," she answered, "Besides I'd like to spend the rest of our vacation out of the hospital." He gave her an answering wry grin that told her what she needed to know. He took the crystal and split it and it gave off a flash of light. He handed the now split crystal back to Nabiki and she promptly pocketed the halves away. Sirens had been approaching and the police and an ambulance were now on the scene. The bystanders told what they could and all agreed that Nabiki and Paul did what they could to protect who they could.
A police officer approached Paul. "Sir, do you know what happened and why you were targeted?"
Paul looked at the young officer and smiled. "Yes I do. My wife and I are here on our honeymoon and we had a dealing with the gentlemen responsible for this earlier today. My wife and I were able to deal with them before the hotel security arrived to hand them off to your peers earlier today."
The young office had been briefed, and a widening of the eyes told Paul that the officer knew quite well of what had transpired. "Ah. Yes, Wantabe and his friends."
"Son of our most prominent Yakuza clan Oyabun in the area," added a new voice. They turned and the young officer bowed deeply. The man had more salt than pepper in his hair, and his glasses had two distinct zones in it. He wasn't in the shape he was when he was in his twenties, but at his age he was still in great shape. Chief Yashuda had toured the Moon and had visited some of the local law enforcement. "Well I never expected to meet you here Captain."
"Chief it is a pleasure," greeted Paul with a bow.
The Chief cut to the chase, "I take it you will be dealing with the issue?"
Paul gave the Chief an even look. "I will, eventually," he admitted.
The Chief regarded Paul for a moment and then turned to his young officer. "Young man, you are to transport Captain Williams wherever he wants you to go."
The officer shot to attention. "Hai!"
The medics were helping Nabiki onto a gurney when the Chief addressed her, "Well I suppose congratulations are in order to you." He smiled warmly at her and asked, "You don't mind the company of an old man for your trip to the hospital do you?"
Nabiki smiled at the familiar face, "Of course not. Thank you." She focused on Paul, who was busy placing what looked to be a slim watch on his left wrist. "You behave yourself!" she chided. He actually had the audacity to look stunned and surprised at her statement. She sighed and shook her head, "Fine. I'll catch up with you later then." Nabiki was loaded into the ambulance and the Chief got into the back with a medic and the vehicle drove away.
Paul waited until it turned the corner and pulled out a cell phone. He hit a speed-dial button and spoke in quiet tones for a few minutes. With a smile across his face he waited another five minutes before placing another call. This conversation was far shorter, but it had the effect of giving Paul a positively vicious smile. Paul stepped over to the young officer and regarded his nametag. "Well Officer Saito, we have thirty minutes before I need you to drop me off. Can you show me some good family restaurants until then?"
The officer was stunned to be honest. He had expected something else, nothing so innocuous. "Uh yeah, sure." He headed to his patrol vehicle and hopped in with his new passenger and together they headed off, leaving the rest of the detail to finish their work.
The hospital was a bit of a drive away, but thankfully between Paul and the talented medic the blood flow was brought to nearly a complete stop. Arrival at the hospital was greeted with a flurry of activity and Nabiki was quickly wheeled into a waiting exam wound. She endured the questions and answered them with no problems. She knew all she had to do was wait, and with a flash of light four figures appeared. She knew them all of course, and she was not surprised to see her sister or her brother-in-law at all. Kasumi and Tofu approached the bed dressed in their medical wear, while Sailor Saturn and Sailor Pluto drew the most attention.
Chief Yashuda knew who the two were, and considering how they were dressed at the moment it would be an easy introduction. "Everyone," he spoke in a commanding tone, "I would like to introduce you to Sailor Pluto and Sailor Saturn of the Moon Kingdom."
Setsuna politely bowed her head while Hotaru bowed and greeted everyone with a polite "How do you do." Hotaru walked over to the bed and smiled at Nabiki. "I'd ask how you are doing, but my eyes tell me enough."
Nabiki smiled at the now nearly filled out teenager. She had hit quite a growth spurt over the intervening years and she had filled out nicely. She filled a B-cup no problem and was wonderfully proportioned as well. She learned how to use that to her advantage when needed, mostly at Shingo's expense. Her martial arts training had expanded and she could be quite lethal if needed. She was also quite studious and her grades reflected that as well. She hadn't finished high school yet but was already getting offers from schools back on Earth. She kept her hair nearly as short, most for the ease of maintenance and her face usually held a warm smile. "Thanks for not being patronizing," stated Nabiki.
"Why bother, it will only get me home quicker," stated Hotaru. She looked around and saw something out of place. She looked to Nabiki and asked, "Where is he?"
Nabiki knew when to be honest but she figured a bit of obfuscation was called for. "He is dealing with another issue at the moment."
Hotaru gave her an even glare, but then sighed in resignation. She turned to Setsuna, "Can you please call him and tell him I'm going to be delayed a bit longer." Setsuna just smiled and nodded. Hotaru turned to Nabiki and griped, "Well so much for the early movie."
"Oh no you were about to go out on a date? Aw I'm sorry kiddo," apologized Nabiki.
Hotaru just gave Nabiki a look and sighed, "Hey stuff happens. Now let's get these bandages off and get you fixed up." Tofu began cutting away the bandages without question, heck he was about to examine the wound anyhow. "Hey the sooner we can get out of here the soon we can track him down and keep him out of trouble."
"Hey that is my husband you are talking about," complained Nabiki.
Hotaru just gave her a sunny smile and went to work. She knew just as well as anyone how Paul could get when riled up. The attending doctors could only watch in amazement.
He did as he was instructed and took his passenger around. They were about four blocks away when Paul requested that the officer find quiet place to park. Saito did as he was told and found a quiet alley where he turned off the lights and shut the car off. He looked at his passenger as he unhooked his belt. "Are you really from there now?"
Paul knew what Saito was asking and answered honestly, "Yes I have been living on the Moon since the Battle of Tokyo over five years ago now."
"So were you a tourist?"
"Nope, I was a US Navy pilot who got shot down during the attack. I got hurt during the aftermath and my wife's family took me in. I've been with them ever since."
Saito whistled in appreciation at the admission, but then had to pick up his jaw when Paul touched his watched and he transformed into what many would consider battle gear. His clothing was loose and had the appearance of a US Army field uniform for his pants. His feet were now in combat boots and they were jet black in color. His shirt was in the same color scheme as his pants with the only identifying feature being the patch on his left shoulder. An image of the Moon with a Crown circling the center with an inverted sword that seemed to go through the moon from top to bottom was the patch worn. A simple pair of what looked to be safety glasses were on his face, and it was evident to Saito that they were so much more.
Not knowing what else to say he went for the next easiest question. "So where in Tokyo is your wife from?"
Paul smiled at Saito. "Wait about forty-five minutes and then bring in some help. I may get a bit carried away," stated Paul. He looked at the Officer in the face and then answered his question. "My wife and her family were life long residents of Nerima." With a simple bound Paul was now airborne, heading to his rendezvous with his under the radar support. It took ten minutes for poor Saito to recover.
He landed quietly about a half a block away and began his quiet trek. He stopped under a rather large tree and looked up. "Are they inside?" he asked.
A slim figured lowered herself headfirst and she regarded Paul with a practiced eye. "They are all in there as well as other members of their clan."
Paul smiled, he knew that voice quite well. "Any children?"
"Yes there are," admitted the kunoichi, "I have some of the others ready to keep them safe from what is to come."
"Servants?"
"Most have been relieved of their duties for the evening excluding the main servant of the Oyabun."
Paul smiled at this, "Okay make sure all the servants are secured that you can. I'll probably need some cover as well. All others are fair game, but no fatalities unless absolutely necessary." She nodded in agreement. Paul regarded his contact for a moment, and then asked, "So how goes the thesis Midori?" He could see her smile under her mask.
"Not too bad," she answered. "I have a defense scheduled for two weeks and I can't wait."
"Well good luck then. Let us know how it goes."
"I will," she promised. With little to no perceptible motion she was back up in the trees and off to her assigned position. The rest knew what he wanted and they had been able to listen in thanks to some judicious upgrades in technologies.
Paul continued his walk and turned the corner and as per an earlier drive by the pair of goons were still out front smoking and drinking. He crossed to their side of the street and he continued to walk to the main gate. As he expected he was spotted and the goons did what they did best, flexed their muscle without having all the facts of the situation at hand. "Well lookie here, looks like we got a soldier boy out for a stroll," stated the goon with the thinning hair.
Paul stopped three paces from the pair and stated, "I have business with your Oyabun."
The pair thought that funny and began to laugh as if Paul had told the funniest joke they ever heard. The same one who spoke approached Paul and began to poke him in the chest. "I suggest you move on soldier boy before you get hurt," stated the thug.
Paul sighed and then struck with the speed of a viper and with the momentum of a freight train. He seized the wrist of the offending hand and twisted with enough force that the thug spun in midair and went crashing to the ground. Paul maintained an iron grip and the thug was in some severe pain at that point in time. Paul addressed the remaining thug, "I have business with your Oyabun. I will see him and you will not impede me."
The other thug was shaken out of his stunned silence and did what he thought was best, he went on a short lived offensive. "Fuck you," he yelled as he directed a wicked punch at Paul's face. Paul released the wrist and just dodged ever so slightly as he grabbed the thug's arm and drove a knee into the thug's solar plexus driving the wind out of him. Paul let the man collapse to the ground in agony and decided it would be wise to knock out the other one. He returned to the thug he had downed and decided that a quick chop to the neck was needed. He heard someone bar the gate and shook his head. He gestured and a ninja appeared.
Paul looked at the ninja, male by his dress, smiled and asked, "Can you secure these two for me please?"
The ninja just nodded and had the job done in seconds and he melted back into the shadows. Paul looked to the gate and admired it for a bit. He pounded on it with sufficient force to rattle not only the door, but a good portion of the wall as well. Paul called out in a loud voice that he knew everyone in the compound could hear, "I have business with the Oyabun. I request entry immediately. I will only ask twice."
Quiet reports began to enter Paul's ear. The children and their mothers had been secured and were understandably scared at the moment. He heard the explanation given and that seemed to calm the women, and they now took on the task of calming the children. The majority of servants had been in bed and were gathered up and remaining in a few rooms. The ninja assigned the duty had to draw their swords to make a point to a couple of the more belligerent ones, but no blood had been spilt. Paul again knocked and again stated he had business within, he only added that he would not ask again.
A report came in that members of the clan were approaching with weapons. Most were bats and pipes, with the occasional cheap sword. However there was a report of some with firearms. Paul called out into a mic that was built into his glasses, "Secure all users of firearms quickly, break bones if needed." Acknowledgements came in and Paul smiled as his support in the shadows waited. "Activated IFF mode," called Paul and wire frames of the thugs on the other side of the gate were displayed in the lenses of his glasses, green for general thugs, red for those with firearms, and dark blue for his ninja friends. IFF, or Identify Friend or Foe, was something Paul insisted on early in his current tenure and he didn't have to do much convincing. It was something the ladies and their research teams developed and was quite useful, even in a training situation. There were some field tests done on Earth when natural disasters had hit and they had become invaluable to the humanitarian teams that had been dispatched from the Moon. The distance was actually fairly good and he began to "see" the layout of the house as the mapping feature kicked in.
Paul regarded the gate for a moment, admiring the construction and care that had gone into them. He pulled back his right fist and held it at shoulder level. He extended his index finger and struck the gate and his finger became imbedded. For a second or two nothing seemed to happen until the gate began to groan. The groaning increased with some distinct popping of wood, until the whole gate shattered and flew inward, leaving the hinges attached to the undamaged wall. "Huh," began Paul, "looks like all that training with Ryoga, Ranma, and Kuh Lohn actually paid off."
His IFF showed that he had knocked out about a quarter of the thugs on the other side, that left about fifteen if his count was right, and three of them glowed red. A snap of his fingers and the ninja struck at the ones carrying the firearms. Their cries of pain helped to distract the rest of the thugs and Paul used that to strike.
In his philosophy there was no such thing as a fair fight, and Paul was using everything he had been taught and trained to do. He had developed a large measure of speed and strength that he put to good use on the first row that was standing. His dodging and weaving was almost as good as Ranma's, but not quite. It was however good enough for him not to get hit. So the first group of five went down thanks to some very strategic strikes that one, hurt like hell, two, broke bones, and three, took them out of the fight. It barely registered in his brain when their IFF colors switched from green to a light blue. The next group, ten in total, saw what happened and decided to keep their distance.
Paul smiled a vicious grin and a pair of chains shot out of his sleeves. Mu Tze was an able teacher as well and was by all rights a weapons master, even if some of those weapons were far from conventional (Swan potty anyone?) Using the chains he began to snatch them one by one and he drew them in closer and he delivered some severe punches that either knocked someone out, or broke bones. While this was happening for the first four, the remaining six decided a bum rush would work and with a yell that advertised their intentions they charged.
Paul heard the yell and with a flick of his arms the chains wrapped around his fists. Holding his ground he waited till they were close enough and he struck. Each strike had the effect of incapacitating his opponent and breaking more than a single bone. A few teeth went flying as the remainder all seemed to impact the ground with a single thud. Paul paused to assess the situation. Everyone appeared as a light blue except for the ninja that were standing by. "Secure them please," he requested and a group of about ten ninja dropped out of the shadows and they performed some rudimentary first aid as well as securing the thugs. As the tasks were completed the ninja faded back into the shadows.
Paul focused in on the home before him again and he pulled up a map of the area. It was nearly complete and it showed him were the rest of the individuals were. He noticed the fairly large concentration in the back that was not in the area where the servants or children were. Not wanting to remove his boots nor be offensive, well anymore that he probably already was, he took a well manicured path and followed it around to the back.
He knew something was up that night and he had sent his wife to be with their daughter for the majority of the evening. He was reading a nice book when the first "knock" at the gate happened and the voice called up requesting entry. Chihaya told both him and his wife of what had happened that morning and he knew just as well as the ladies that Tsubasa would do something stupid. It appeared that he was right. He put his bookmark in place and set the book on the small table that his reading lamp rested on. He picked up his cane and hobbled his way out into the hallway.
Hidekai Wantanabe was no spring chicken, and he had to get moving now. He kept his glasses on and made sure his robe was secure as he began his trek. His hair was quite thin now, far more salt than pepper remained. What was left was shoulder length and little if any covered the top of his head. So it was with some surprise that he was confronted by a sword armed ninja standing in the hallway. He suspected that they were here in support of whoever was at the gate, and he was in no shape to confront the ninja. "Would you mind escorting an old man for a bit? It helps in my travels." Without words the ninja sheathed his sword and stood next to the Hidekai and offered the old man his arm. Gratefully he took the offered assistance and the unlikely pair began an agonizingly slow trek to where the Oyabun, his nephew, waited.
Paul followed the path around the property and it led over a well maintained pond with plenty of koi that was within a traditional garden. He followed the path around to the back and a herd of footsteps picked up as he approached. The largest guy, who was at the forefront, stood nearly seven feet in height, and he wore a contemptible scowl that was directed at Paul. Paul halted his approach and stated, "I have business with your Oyabun, let me pass."
"Leave or I will break you little gaigin," said the big guy.
Paul's training was not just in martial arts. He had gotten some esoteric training from Tofu and Kuh Lohn that had involved some useful pressure points that were good for first aid and other reasons. "Fine, I don't mind the hard way," stated Paul. He then struck at chestnut fist speeds. The first two strikes rendered his opponent unable to use his arms, his second strike temporarily took away his voice. He decided to separate a couple of ribs and to begin by toppling the big guy by striking strategically at the knees. As the big goon began to topple he leapt up and connected with a spin kick that knocked the goon ten feet into a very stout cherry tree. The tree shook to the top branches with the impact.
Handguns came out and Paul knew instantly, but so did the ninja. Kunai and stars began to fly out and each hit their mark of a hand, and the weapon destroying it. The remaining goons looked around in fear, mutterings of ninja could be heard. Paul began to strike at a specific pressure point on each, paralyzing them temporarily for a few hours. Each was caught by a ninja until there was just the head manservant at the door. "I have business with the Oyabun."
"Why should I let you enter?"
"If I had been permitted entry then everything up until this point would not have been necessary. My business is with him and him alone regarding the actions of members of his organization. I am here to address and seek redress for those actions and the fools that performed them. Nothing more."
"So you mean him no harm?" asked the servant.
"That all depends on his actions," replied Paul.
"Who do you represent?" asked the servant.
"Right now I represent myself. However who I serve is far greater," answered Paul. He focused on the servant for a moment. "You didn't see the patch on my arm?"
Almost sheepishly he pulled out his glasses and promptly put them on. He took a good look at Paul and noticed the patch and approached to scrutinize it. Smiling Paul touched his watch and he transformed into a form of his dress uniform which had a colored version of the patch. The servant recognized the patch almost instantly after the transformation and his eyes almost fell out and his jaw about hit the floor. "You serve her, don't you?"
Paul smiled warmly and replied, "I have gotten to know Queen Serenity and her husband quite well since the battle of Tokyo."
The servant's eyes widened momentarily at that and he suspected exactly who Paul was. "Please step up," offered the servant, "But I ask that you remove your shoes."
Paul smiled, "Watch closely then. I know a few children that are still fascinated by what you are about to see." Without removing his shoes he stepped up and the servant could only stare in shock as they disappeared leaving him in his socks.
"Amazing," remarked the servant. The then bowed to Paul, "They are right inside." Paul returned the bow and the servant slid the door opened and announced Paul, "Oyabun, I present a servant of the Queen of the Moon Kingdom."
As the door slid open he immediately spotted the three thugs that had bothered them earlier, and had taken pot shots at them that very evening. He stepped into the room to find it filled with western furniture. "Why do you invade my home?" asked the Oyabun. He was flanked by what appeared to be an aide that was in is mid to late thirties, and a young woman dressed in a silk robe that came to her knees. She regarded Paul with a look that was cold and wary.
"It is because he seeks redress for the actions of your son and his friends," spoke a new voice. They all turned to see an old man with thin hair leaning on the arm of a ninja. The old man patted the ninja's arm as he released it. He slowly began to totter into the room and the young lady and Paul took up positions on either side of the gentleman and guided him to a nearby chair. She shot Paul an icy glare that he ignored. He regarded Paul for a moment, "So what did that fool and his friends do now? Other than what happened at the hotel." The Oyabun scowled at this, he didn't like where this was going, and most had a very bad feeling about this.
Paul looked at the older man and saw he was serious, and he was cutting to the heart of the matter. With a gesture Paul pointed to the three young thugs in the room, "Earlier this evening we were stalked by these three and they decided to seek vengeance for their earlier humiliation from their own actions."
"So it was you that dealt with him at the hotel?" asked the Oyabun, generally curious now.
"Yes it was. My wife was being harassed by these three and we felt threatened by their actions. We were unarmed, they were not." Paul's reply was straight and to the point. "This evening, these three in their 'infinite' wisdom decided to take some pot shots at us with a handgun." That word alone dropped the temperature of the room considerably. The young lady in the room began to scowl at the young men in the room.
"Lies, all lies," complained the leader of the little pack.
"You know nothing," began Paul. "I hit you with a ki blast that had the effect of freezing the fuel in your car as well as disabling it. The fire you attempted to set was quickly extinguished by the spreading cold. Your car has been impounded and is in the process of being fingerprinted as we speak, as is the weapon you used. You fired into a crowd of innocents and nearly shot a young family. One of the shots had the misfortune of striking my wife. She is in the hospital right now."
The thug shot to his feet. "Father you can't trust this gaigin! You know they are all worthless!" The Oyabun looked to the young lady and gave an almost imperceptible nod. She took two steps and performed a flawless spinning heel kick that connected the thug's jaw and sent him sprawling. Paul also learned a bit more than he wanted to at the moment, as the young lady in question slept au natural.
Paul turned away to respect her dignity, "Um, ma'am. Please straighten your robe."
She blushed a brilliant red and made sure the important areas were covered properly. "I'm sorry about that, and please, call me Chihaya. Ma'am makes me think a sailor is addressing my late mother."
The Oyabun smiled at his daughter's reaction, and he was glad the young man was so very polite about it. He watched as the young man turned to face him with a light blush on his feature. "So how did an American come to serve on the Moon?"
Paul answered honestly, "Oyabun I was in the US Navy at the time of the Battle of Tokyo and my squadron was tasked with providing air support."
"Ah so you were a pilot then?" asked the older gentleman.
"Yes sir I was. I was shot down and was able to parachute safely to the ground where I was rescued by a fleeing family. I stuck with them and the rest has been a rather unique history, well at least in my opinion."
"So how did you end up staying on the Moon?" asked Chihaya.
"During the battle I attempted to defend a young lady who is now my wife from one of those things. I was severely injured and was medically discharged from the Navy. I had no family left on Earth and I was offered a position on the Moon. So I stayed." He sensed the thug rising to his feet and he looked to the Oyabun. "Do you mind if I handle this?" as he gestured to the three thugs.
"Go right ahead," answered the Oyabun, curious to know what was about to happen.
Paul pointed to each in turn and called out, "One, two, and three." He was heard and six ninja streaked in and a pair went to each, holding blades in specific areas that guaranteed their compliance. The thugs sat down without a word and were sweating bullets.
"So what is it you want?" asked the aide. He had long dark hair pulled back into a simple tail. He was casually dressed in a western style and had been preparing to go home before the boy arrived and Paul happened.
"They will answer for what they have done, both locally and whatever my Queen decides as well. They not only put my life and my wife's life at risk but they also put the lives of innocents at risk as well, with the youngest being less than a year old." Faces darkened even further at that little revelation.
"What of the damage to my home?" asked the Oyabun.
Paul looked at him evenly, "The gate can be replaced. Nothing else has been damaged."
"And the men?" asked the aide.
"Their bones will heal," answered Paul. "If better manner had been shown then no one would have been hurt. To be honest I expected the actions that were taken and I prepared for it. You have become far too predictable and comfortable in your ways. Your business model needs to change. I can attest that the Emperor is extremely displeased with many of the actions taken by the Yakuza and he will take action. We will come to his aid if he requests it."
The Oyabun could see he was serious and he was not lying at all. He knew he would have to give it some serious thought. He spotted something by the open door, and he spotted two women dressed in distinctive sailor fukus, one with green hair, the other shorter one had shoulder length dark hair. She had her arms crossed and an angry expression was across her face. Her arms were crossed under her breasts and her right boot was tapping in a rapid staccato. A twitch had developed over her right eye and she cleared her throat loudly to get everyone's attention.
Paul visibly cringed and looked at the others in the room. With an almost hopeless expression he stood there, not turning around and fearing what was behind him. "Let me guess, there are at least two women behind me in sailor fuku's?" Everyone nodded. "And one of them is at least a foot shorter than I am with dark hair and a stormy expression on her face." Grins spread across the faces of most in the room and they all nodded in agreement. Paul knew he was in it deep and called out, "Hey Saturn, what's up?"
Sailor Saturn stomped over to Paul and stood toe to toe with him. "Twenty six. Twenty six with a huge range of injuries ranging from broken bones, a couple of concussions, and quite a few with wounds from kunai or stars. You didn't hold back did you?"
"No. Should I have?" asked Paul.
Saturn just rolled her eyes in pure exasperation and threw up her hands in a gesture that spoke volumes. She planted her hands on her hips and was about to let into him before an approaching figure caught her attention. Saturn turned her head to regard who was approaching her.
Chihaya was an adult, but she was barely 22. So five years ago she was 17, in school, and as addicted to the tales from both Nerima and Juban. "Are you really one of the Sailor Scouts?"
Saturn was still getting used to the attention she garnered when on Earth. "Yes I am. I'm Sailor Saturn."
Chihaya asked, "And the other is the enigmatic Sailor Pluto?" Saturn just nodded an affirmative. "I'll be right back." With the sound of a herd of cattle Chihaya took off for a different part of the house and her footsteps faded away for a few moments. It didn't take too long and the stampede came back and she materialized next to Saturn and Paul with a notebook and pen in her hand. "Can I get your autograph please? You too?" she asked of Saturn and Pluto.
"Uh, sure," answered Saturn. She took the notebook and pen and signed it. She handed it back to the barely dressed Chihaya who bowed and thanked the youngest of the Senshi. She blurred and was standing in front of Pluto.
"You're twenty two Chihaya," chided her father, the Oyabun.
Her face took on a totally innocent and vapid expression. "So?" was all she said in response. He didn't even try to argue, he realized he wouldn't win that one.
Pluto took it and signed it. She handed it back and Chihaya thanked her profusely. Chihaya walked back to her father's side, but before she got there she stopped and addressed her brother. "You never learn do you? Your actions could have destroyed this family and what we have built up over generations. I could almost pity you, but it isn't worth my effort." She spun on her heel and walked over to her father.
The old uncle rose to his feet and tottered over gently to the three young men where they sat. Almost unconsciously he was aided by Paul and Saturn. He addressed the boys. "Now you know why I refused to give you tattoos. You have no honor in you, only your foolish desires. I hope you take the time to learn your lessons in prison. I doubt your father will protect you." He walked back to the chair that he was sitting in, again aided by Paul and Saturn and the pair aided him as he sat down. The Oyabun, Chihaya, and other gentleman just smiled. In spite of the unpleasantness that had occurred the young man that had confronted them and the Sailor Scout still lent aid, even though it was not requested, but it was appreciated.
The Oyabun spoke up, "I see you are a man of great commitment and honor. I am aware of my son's earlier actions and had expressed my displeasure to him earlier. I was not aware of his actions this evening and for that I must apologize for those. I am also glad that you spared the lives of my men, in spite of their broken bones." He sat back and sighed, gathering strength for what was to come next. "My son's dishonor is his own. To put lives at risk as recklessly as he did speaks of a lack of judgment that may not be correctable by me." He looked to Sailor Pluto, "What will she have to say?"
She expected this and was able to answer, "I can not be sure, but she has a strong sense of justice, and his own actions will be revealed to her and members of the court. It is then that judgment will be made and he will serve time on the penal institution on Pluto."
"I understand," stated the Oyabun. With a face now set in stone he then continued to speak. "You may take my son from this place and he may be judged by his own actions."
"Understood," answered Paul. While they had been talking the ninja secured the trio in ropes. Paul regarded them with some pity and focused on Setsuna. Her expression was unreadable but she was able to tear open a portal in time/space and drug the trio through. The portal closed almost instantly when a new one opened up and Setsuna stepped back through.
The Oyabun rose from his chair and spoke to those assembled, "I fear I must take my leave of everyone. It has been a trying time." He turned to his daughter, "Please see them out for me."
"Of course father," replied Chihaya
"Sir," began Paul, "before you retire for the evening there are individuals in this house that would probably benefit greatly from an appearance by you."
The Oyabun knew who he was referring to and with a smile and a nod he left followed by his manservant and his aide. The old man remained behind wanting to see them off. However before anyone could say anything else a new voice cut in. "I'm impressed. You handled that quite well is spite of your propensity for destruction when your family is concerned." They turned and a woman in her twenties with a page boy haircut, very observant eyes, and wearing a hospital scrub shirt stepped out of the shadows. Before stepping up she pulled her sandals off and she joined the remaining five.
Nabiki looked to Saturn and smiled, "They are all collected and are in one spot so you can deal with the damage in one shot." Saturn thanked Nabiki and headed off followed by Pluto and some of the ninja.
"Are you okay?" asked Paul as he hugged his wife.
Nabiki smiled as they separated, "I'm fine."
"So this is your wife?" asked Chihaya
Nabiki took the lead, "I'm Nabiki. This is Paul and I married the big lug just recently." She jerked a thumb in Paul's direction and he just rolled his eyes.
"I'm Chihaya and this is my Great Uncle Hidekai," said the only remaining female in the room.
"I am honored," stated Hidekai with a bow from his chair.
"You are a tattoo artist?" asked Paul.
Hidekai smiled broadly, "I'm probably one of the best in the business. My finest work is standing in this room." There was a twinkle in his eye as he said that and Chihaya just rolled her eyes.
Chihaya tightened the sash on her robe, knowing that was probably coming. "Here, check this out." She turned her back to the couple and slipped her right arm out of her robe while she shrugged her shoulders to bare her back. She used her right arm to protect her modesty as she covered her breasts and she turned to watch the reactions as best she could.
Her back was once flawless, but now the image of a mighty tigress in mid roar, down on her front haunches and standing on what appeared to be a large rock. The tail began on her left shoulder blade and when half way down the upper portion of her left arm. The image was flawless and beautiful, and it had taken quite some time.
"Beautiful," breathed Paul and Nabiki, while Saturn and Pluto who had just stepped back up just whistled. Chihaya smiled at the reactions, she too was proud of her Uncle's work.
"The gate is fixed and the wounded are healed. They'll be out for the next half hour or so however," stated Pluto. "I'm going to take Saturn and head home. Are you guys going to be fine?"
"We'll walk till we can hail a cab," stated Nabiki.
"Why don't you let me pay for the cab," offered Chihaya. "It is the least we can do after what has happened."
"Thank you," replied Nabiki and Paul.
Chihaya gestured for Nabiki and Paul to follow, and her Uncle Hidekai tagged along and he found himself on the arms of the women as they walked to the front while Saturn and Pluto slipped into a portal and headed home. Nothing was said until they reached a phone where Chihaya hailed a cab and grabbed a wad of money. They resumed their trek and they all put on some footwear, just one had his added by magical means. Nabiki gave Paul a peculiar look and he realized he was still in his "work" clothes. He touched his watch and was again in the clothes he had started the day in.
Arriving at the font gate they found the cab waiting patiently for them. Chihaya pushed the cash into Nabiki's hands and slipped her a business card. "Please feel free to contact me if you are in the area. I would not mind having dinner with you."
"We'll consider it," answered Nabiki, "and thank you for the offer as well." Without words the group separated with a bow and the young couple was heading back to their hotel.
"I will be seeing them again," commented Hidekai to his neice.
"Are you sure?" she asked.
"Yes I am," he replied, "and when I do I will be doing my final work on them both."
Chihaya regarded her Uncle for a moment, not sure what he meant, but he hadn't been wrong in his tattoos, not once. Smiling she led him back inside the property and she barred the gate. It had been a trying evening and they both needed to rest.
I'm ending things here and I've started to lay out a couple of the next chapters on paper. I'll get them up as I can and as long as my muse doesn't abandon me. Thanks to all for reading and reviewing. I can't tell you how much that helps. Any errors that you spot please let me know either in a review or in a message, it helps to keep me honest.