This is Stone Warrior. The author is attending to other matters (I stare at her form, which is still sound asleep on the bed). I'm sure she doesn't want to fall behind her personal deadline so I took the liberty of posting the next chapter myself.

Stone Warrior's Notes- Path Walker doesn't own Dragon Ball Z, Sailor Moon, or Evian.

Chapter 6- I'll be honest. I don't know what to call this chapter

That night, Trista donned a sleeveless button up shirt (she found sleeves get in the way) knee length skirt. Though her arm was still in a sling (cast, whatever) she proved she could work fine without it. She had been quite a wonder that night. Her 1 handed serving technique was not only high quality, quite a show to see. She twirled glasses and made a rather big spectacle of mixing drinks.* The bars normal costumers cheered at the display and complimented Groob on such a find.

Piccolo was there too, watching her. The way he figured it, the only way he would be able to relieve her of her power was to find her weaknesses. So, he observed her, looking for any clue that might give away useful information. He leaned back in his chair, placing his concentration on her. In his usual spot, he blended with the shadows, becoming practically invisible. The room's dark corner was his fortress. He had always felt comfortable in the dark. In his youth, when he could not fend for himself, it was his only defense from humans and other creatures. It was his cover as he traveled aimlessly from town to town, foraging for food and perhaps where he belonged. It had been his mantle at night, when he was cold and had no place to go. It had been his swathe at birth. Darkness, was his ally. You are my prey woman, he thought as he watched her serve drinks, completely unaware of her latest peril. And I am your hunter. Your cruel, relentless, hunter.

Groob let out a groan as he looked at the dark corner.

"What's wrong Sir?" Trista asked, a tray balanced on her hand.

"That guy, Piccolo han't bought anythin' all night." Groob answered, annoyed. "I'm losin' profit. I'd use my 'Buy or Git Out' rule but-"

"Dad!" Bon interrupted. "The toilet's backed up again!"

"Oh for th' love of Pete!" He grabbed some supplies and walked off complaining to himself.

Trista looked back at the dark corner. She knew he was there, she could feel his eyes following her all night. She felt the emotionless cold of that stare too. She suppressed a shiver at the thought of it. I know you saved my life too, but a rule's a rule. And now that I know of it, I must enforce it.

Though his face never faltered, he was quite surprised to see her approach. I'm the hunter. Why is my pray coming to me?

As she approached, notebook and pen ready, he decided it would be best to accommodate her presence. He still did not understand her power and it would not have been wise to do anything to her uninformed. As Trista moved toward him she showed no fear, mostly because she hadn't heard the full bulk of his reputation.

"Excuse me sir,"Piccolo looked at Trista's smiling face."You have to buy something if you want to stay here."

The people tried to look natural as they eavesdropped on the conversation. No one dared to tell him what to do. He knew this, and gave her a distinct 'I'll-do-nothing-of -the sort' look.

You sure as heck had better. Trista thought, her expression changing to a serious/angry look.

Piccolo was visibly surprised.

I know you can hear me. Since your telepathic it's not hard to send you my thoughts. Now buy something, not because I asked you to, but because it's a rule.

Rules are made to be broken.

Rules are made to be obeyed. They keep the masses in line.

Fear will do the same.

There was a brief moment of silence between the two as Trista realized he was right.

Look, as the barmaid it's my duty to enforce the rules. This job is my repayment to Groob for his kindness and I will not waver in my duties to him, not even for my other savior.

Piccolo took note of this statement. She looked sensible enough, so why was she making a big deal out of this? *Humph* I guess looks can be deceiving. But he knew that wasn't the case. He looked into those hard garnet eyes, clearly stating her unyielding position in the dispute, and sensed something more to the situation.

To her, her honor was on the line. She had given her word that she would do her best. She felt that if she didn't get him to order her word would be broken and honor shattered. If she's getting so worked up over this, she must be honor/duty bound to a ridiculous level. Maybe I could use that to my advantage...

He ordered a glass of water, ending their pointless argument and he gave the onlookers a fang-bearing glare to save face. He had his 1st bit useful information and decided this defeat was a small price to pay for her power.

Trista walked away with a bit of info as well. So, he doesn't drink. Interesting...

When she returned with his glass he materialized some money (when she wasn't looking) and took a sip of water...And promptly spit it out.

"What is this?" He asked, staring curiously at the water.

"Its Evian Natural Spring Water." Trista reported, staring at him just as curiously.

"Well its obvious it came from a spring...Once. But it has been purified by a machine and been left to sit for at least 3 months."

Trista stared in disbelief. How could he have known all that by 1 sip?

Being one who drank water often, he could quickly tell its quality. It was a weird talent he had subconsciously improved day by day.***

Trista waved off the little quirk and left to tend to other customers.

******

Houtaru stared out into the vast expanse of nothingness. "How does Pu stand it? There's nothing out here. I'd go insane if I had to stay here my whole life."

Rini nodded absentmindedly. Since Pluto's unsolved disappearance, Rini had been on autopilot. Unable to focus on anyone but her friend. Houtaru tried to cheer her friend but to no avail.

"Oh come on Rini! Pluto's a big girl; she can take care of herself. I'm not worried, so why are you?"

"I felt this pain," Rini stated, clutching a fist over heart. "I feel...Something's coming for her."

Houtaru remained silent. Rini had always been such a happy, carefree child. To see her so broken was unnerving for the small Sailor Scout.

Houtaru placed a hand on Rini's shoulder. "She'll be back. I know it."

Rini placed her hand on top, glad that her other close friend was safe with her.

"Come on," Houtaru said lying down. "Let's pretend there are clouds up there. We can tell each other what we 'see'".

Rini laughed. "Houtaru, its 6:30 at night."

Houtaru sat up, surprised. "How do you know? I don't even know how long we've been here."

Rini lifted her left arm to reveal a watch. Then, she pulled a paper from her backpack. It had tally marks on it. "I've been keeping track. As of now we've been here for about 5 days"

It was Houtaru's turn to laugh. "Pu has taught you well. Well I don't care what time it is at home; time has no meaning here so I say we look at clouds."

"You certainly have a good imagination Houtaru."

The 2 talked and laughed for a long while. Finally, the girls settled in their sleeping bags (hey, they're young, growing girls. They need their rest). When Rini was sure Houtaru was sleep, she let the tears stream her face.

"Pu...Where are you?" With that, Rini cried herself to sleep.

*I figure royalty throw parties and most adult parties have alcoholic beverages. So, I figure 'royalty must know these things'…Right? All right I just added it in! Forgive me for this misuse of her person. It was out of character and I'm ashamed of my actions. *Hangs head in shame* I'll do my best to make sure this gross mistreatment does not happen again. (Stone Warrior- She really does beat herself up over the little things)

*** I know the whole water thing with Piccolo was weird and rather random, but it does play a role in their relationship. I promise.

Stone Warrior- That's it I suppose.

/ I look out the open window, letting the gentle breeze caress my skin and play with the linen curtains. I look back to Path Walker, who is still asleep. /

Stone Warrior- She sleeps like the dead. Well, if you have any suggestions, voice them in your review. She writes for you as well as for herself. I'm sure she would appreciate your input.

/Just then Path Walker stirs. She sits up and looks at the pastel green walls, then to me with my laptop at the foot of her bed. /

"Where am I?" She asks, to groggy to recognize her own room.