The sun rose quickly as Duo descended the stairs of the Tendo home. No one
was up yet, it was too early, so if he was quiet no one would hear him
leave. He left a note explaining that he was just out taking in the city.
With his rod strapped to his back in its holster he slipped out of the
house.
Once he was down the street he extended his senses once again just as his master taught him to, and began his search, 'I know you're here, now where are you.' He closed his eyes and let his other senses overtake him. In moments he could sense them, he could sense most of the people of Nerima. And he could sense him. All human beings had a ki signature and no two were the same, he had used his ability to track his fathers killer before, but he had never been this close before. He was here, the only thing left to do was to find him. But that wasn't the only thing he could sense something else, it was somehow familiar. His Master had told him what something like this would mean but he couldn't remember right now. Now was the time for the hunt, his target had never been this close before he had to take advantage of this opportunity, he had to find him. When Duo opened his eyes he turned in the direction of his target and broke into a run. He wouldn't let anything stop him now. He would find his fathers killer, then he would decide what to do with him.
The Wanderers Search: Chapter 2
When Nabiki finally woke up she realized what had happened. She had come back to her room with the intention of getting dressed and giving Duo the best tour of the city she could, but instead she had lay down on her bed and fallen asleep. When she finally did wake up she looked at her clock and jumped out of bed, '11:40 how'd it get so late?' Nabiki quickly got up and through on her cloths, and ran downstairs. As she looked around she noted that by the wall calendar that it was Sunday. That was a relief, Sundays meant no school, so she could relax.
Kasumi was in the kitchen preparing lunch, "Hay Kasumi. Don't you have work today?" Nabiki asked.
Kasumi looked over her shoulder to Nabiki, "Ukyou and Elder Cologne both called a earlier, they said that I could take the day off." She smiled and turned back to her cooking.
"Oh, hay that's great Kasumi." She looked around, "Hay where's Duo is he up yet?"
"He left earlier, there's a note over on the table from him. It says that he went out to take in the city."
Nabiki thought for a moment, "I'm going out for a wile Kasumi. I'll be back for dinner." She said as she raced from the house.
**********
The thugs never saw him coming. One minute they were having a good time shaking down kids for some quick cash and the some guy with a stick challenged them, and he made short work of them.
All except one, "I'll ask one more time," he said as he through the thug against the wall of a nearby building, "Where is Ketsueki Karasu?"
The thug was now quite scared, after all this guy had just taken down nine of his friends as if he wasn't even trying, but one thing scared him more, "I. I can't. He. He'll kill me." He said with a trembling voice.
The attacker looked at him, and in a voice so cold and emotionless that it brought a chill to the thug's blood said, "And what makes you so sure that I wont kill you if you don't tell me?" the thug looked up at him with unbelieving eyes, "I could quite easily kill you and wait for one of your more understanding friends to wake up and start questioning them." The thug's face went pale as he suddenly realized just how close to death he was coming.
"I. I. I can't." he said, his voice filled with fear.
The man frowned as if disappointed and the tug had the faintest glimmer of hope in his eyes, "Have it your way." He picked up the thug by the collar of his shirt and gave him a head butt that the thug could have sworn would have split a rock in half. Then he through the thug again, this time at a brick wall. The wall cracked under the force of the blow. "Are you ready to talk now, or shall we continue?"
The thug stumbled to his feet and was gripped with utter panic, he started to talk but had something that tasted salty in his mouth, after spitting it out he realized that it was his blood and one of his teeth, "Yes," he said in a somewhat panicked tone, "Yes, I'll tell you where to find Ketsueki Karasu."
His attacker smiled and said in a voice that betrayed only the slightest trace of happiness, "Good, now we're getting somewhere."
**********
Nabiki stood there unbelieving. She had spotted Duo not to long ago and followed him here, then she watched as he proceeded to render nine thugs unconscious and start to beet up another. Just as she was about to run over to him and ask him why he was doing this, he smiled and quickly walked away. Nabiki had to find out what was going on, she knew that her curiosity was getting the better of her again but she had to know.
Nabiki followed him for about ten blocks before he entered a small bar. As she looked around she realized just where she was, this was the Blood Carven's territory. The Blood Carven were the biggest gang in all of Nerima, they were also the most Violent. The police openly avoided this area once the sun had set, not even Ranma dared to come here. She didn't exactly want to go inside the bar, but if Duo was inside she would be at least a little bit safer then she was out here in the open. She made an audible gulping sound as she moved towards the bars entrance.
**********
Yes this was the place, there was no mistaking it. The tugs directions were perfect, as he entered the bar he couldn't help but have the feeling that something was about to happen. According to the thug Ketsueki Karasu usually hung out here when he was in town. As he approached the bartender he noticed the stares and looks he was attracting from most of the people. "I'm looking for Ketsueki Karasu, I was informed that he could be located here. Perhaps you could help me to locate him?" he said to the bartender.
The bartender looked at him as he cleaned a shot glass, "Karasu? Ya he was in here a few hours ago. Don't think he'll be back for a wile, said he had some business to attend to overseas."
Duo looked down at the bar before slamming his fist into it causing it to shatter into tiny splinters, "BLAST IT!" he shouted, "I was so close." He looked back at the bartender, "Did he say when he would be back?"
The bartender shook his head, "Nope sorry stranger. But he'll be back."
"Thanks for the help."
**********
Nabiki had barely gotten inside the door when the men inside started starring at her, 'Why didn't I change out of my school uniform before I left the house.' She quickly looked around and spotted Duo.
"Hay there Cutie." She looked as one of the men started moving towards her with a look of lust in his eyes, "How's about you and me get to know each other."
Nabiki tried to back away but found her path blocked by another man, "I don't think so." She tried moving towards the bar where she saw Duo, "I'm just here to meet a friend." " I wasn't asking sweetheart. I was telling." He said as he continued moving towards her.
**********
Duo started to leave but found his path blocked by two guys hassling a young woman, he looked closer as he tried to pass them heading for the door, 'Nabiki!?! What's she doing here? Not important, have to help her and fast.'
**********
Nabiki started to panic as the two men kept moving closer, "I really think that I should go now." She said as she tried to nudge her way past them, but to no avail they shoved her against the bar.
"I don't think you understand," said one, "Your ours now." Nabiki tried to run past them but one grabbed her by the arm and started to pull her back. Nabiki kicked him in the groin causing him to let go.
She was caught by the other and thrown against the bar again and the man drew his hand back and slapped her across the face leaving a red mark in the form of his hand, "Don't do that again." he said as he tightened his grip on her. Nabiki struggled to get free, but it was no use his grip was too tight. And buy now the one she had downed was getting up and looked very angry, "I said don't do that!" he shouted as he drew his hand back for another slap, but found his hand stuck as a stranger who was talking to the bartender now had a firm grip on his wrist.
"I wouldn't do that again if I were you." Said the stranger as he tightened his grip.
**********
Duo looked at Nabiki and tried to see if she had been hurt. She looked up into his eyes with an expression of terror on her face, "She'll be coming with me now." He said as he twisted the man's arm causing him to let go of Nabiki.
Nabiki now free of the man's grasp hid behind Duo as he through the man against the bar. Duo looked over his shoulder at her, "Are you alright?" he asked, all Nabiki could do was nod yes. She gasped as the other man made an attack on Duo with a stiletto knife. Duo dodged the attack but Nabiki could see a line of red appear on his face.
Duo snapped into action he quickly turned picked up Nabiki and at the same time made a jumping roundhouse kick which caught the man in the jaw sending him sprawling. He then ran from the building and down the street.
**********
A few minutes later when he was sure that they weren't being followed he stopped in a nearby park, and set Nabiki down on a park bench and walked over to a nearby tree and proceeded to punch it with all his might.
The tree splintered and fell from the unmerciful attack, he turned back to see Nabiki looking at him with a worried expression on her face, "I'm ok. I didn't mean to frighten you." He said and moved over to sit next to her on the park bench.
"Its ok." She said. Duo wasn't sure but he thought that he heard a bit of a sob in her voice. It was probably the realization of what had just happened to her.
"Hay its ok." Duo said trying to prevent the tears that he knew were coming, "You'll be all right, so don't worry. Those guys won't be trying anything again."
**********
Nabiki knew what Duo was trying to do, he was trying to comfort her after what just happened at the bar. Duo put his arm on her back and tried to reassure her, but it wasn't enough to keep her tears from coming, she buried her face into his chest, crying. She hardly felt his hand stroking her short hair or his arms encircling her in a tender embrace, though she couldn't help but be happy that someone was holding her, even if the happiness was hidden deep inside. After she had used up all her tears, she sat weakly in his arms, not wanting to move. Duo just held her, long after her tears had dried, he continued to cradle her gently against him.
He closed his eyes and tried to think about what to do next. When he sensed it again, the familiar energy, it was much closer this time, but where. He focused but was careful not to disturb Nabiki, who was resting peacefully in his arms, then it hit him, Nabiki was the source of the energy. Infact her energy signature was very similar to his, if only he could remember what his master had said.
He opened his eyes and looked down at her. No that was for another time. He had been traveling for five years without stopping anywhere for longer then it took to scan the area and search for his father's killer, then he would move on. He had never had time to get to know anyone. He suddenly felt the feeling he felt the day before when Nabiki had touched his hand. He felt that he should stay here for a wile. He felt that he should get to know her more. But for right now just sitting here with her resting in my arms was enough.
**********
Hours seemed to pass in minutes as the two just held each other in a tender embrace when Nabiki heard the familiar sound of the Nerima Bell tower. It was 5 o'clock. She looked up at Duo and saw his red eyes again, she felt her stomach knot up as he looked back, his eyes full of caring and concern, "We should be heading back soon. I told Kasumi that I would be back before dinner." She reluctantly stood up out of his worm touch, "Kasumi will start to worry if we don't get home before dark."
Duo smiled to keep her from seeing the disappointment at having to let her go, but had to agree that they should be heading back to the house. He looked around for a moment then scratched his head, "Umm. You'll have to give me some directions," he said, "I don't really know where we are." Duo started to laugh.
Nabiki laughed for a moment with Duo before nodding and pointing in the direction of the Tendo House, and started to walk in that direction.
She suddenly found herself in the air as Duo picked her up and started jumping from rooftop to rooftop in the direction she had pointed. Both of them secretly glad to be back in the others warm embrace.
**********
"Where is that Nabiki?" Kasumi said looking a little worried, "Its almost dark out, she knows how dangerous it is now to be outside."
"Should I go look for her?" asked Ranma, a genuine look of concern on his face. "I'm sure I could." he stopped short as he heard a noise of someone landing on the roof. Then heard them land in the yard and start walking towards the back door. Ranma stood up and tensed as the door started to open.
"We're home." Said Nabiki as she opened the door, "Sorry is we worried you."
Duo walked in behind her, "You'll have to excuse me if I decline on dinner tonight. I'll be in the Dojo if anyone needs me." He said as he walked out the door and around the corner to the families training hall.
Kasumi gasped as she noticed the mark on Nabiki's face. And the scare on Duo's just before he left the room, "Nabiki are you alright?" she said moving closer to inspect the bruise on her sisters face.
"What? Oh this. Yes I'm fine. Sit down I'll tell you about it over dinner."
Kasumi sat down and served the food then listened intently as Nabiki recounted the day's events.
**********
Duo lay on his back in the middle of the training hall, 'Damn it. I was so close. I had never been that close before.' He cursed himself for not being there sooner, 'And what's worse is that I put Nabiki in danger. Ya that's a great one Karr, great way to start a relationship, almost get them killed. Ya just great.' He sighed, 'Maybe I should just back off for a wile. Wait a month or two for him to come back, then start looking again. Ya that might work.' He was broken out of his train of thought when he heard the Dojo's door open. He looked, Kasumi was walking over to him.
"Can I speak with you for a minute Duo?" she asked, her tone suggested that he agree.
"Sure." He said as he sat up into a cross-legged position. "What is it?"
Kasumi took a deep breath before continuing, "Duo, Nabiki told us about what happened today. How you beet up the gang members, how you went to the bar, how she followed you, how you saved her," she paused before continuing, "how you comforted her in the park." Duo tilted his head slightly to one side trying to catch what Kasumi was driving at, "Duo I want you to understand something. My sister may have feelings for you. And is she does then she will want to be with you most of the time. So with my father gone, and until Ranma and Akane are married, I am head of this house." She waited a moment to let the information sink in, "So in order to prevent today's events from happening again I want you to do two things. The first is to promise me that wile you are staying here you won't do what you did today again."
Duo thought for a moment and decided that it was probably for the best that he stop hunting Karasu for a wile, "Yes." He nodded, "I promise. And the second?"
Kasumi looked him in the eye before continuing, "I want you to tell me who it is that you are looking for here in Nerima. And why you were at that bar."
Duo looked down and studied the floor for a minute before answering, "His name is Ketsueki Karasu. I've been searching for him for the past five years." He looked up into Kasumi's eyes before he continued, "He's the man who killed my father."
Kasumi's eyes went wide with shock as she suddenly realized what Duo was probably planning to do once he found Karasu, "Duo you can't avenge your fathers death by killing his murderer. That will only bring more pain." Her eyes became filled with concern, "Can you promise me that if you find him, you won't kill him?"
Duo thought for a moment, "I'm sorry. But that's a promise that I don't know I'll be able to keep. But I do promise that I won't search for him wile I'm staying here."
Kasumi half smiled, "Well I suppose that's good enough for now." She stood up. "Its late I think I'll go turn in." she started to leave but stopped at the door and looked back, "Duo, thank you. Thank you for helping us yet again. Without you there Nabiki wouldn't have made it out of there today."
Duo nodded as Kasumi left the training hall. He fell to his back to think about a few things for a wile. After an hour or so he decided that he had best go turn in himself unless he wanted to sleep in the Dojo.
He quietly made his way up to the guest room where he slept. And once inside lay down and tried to sleep. 'Today was Sunday. That means tomorrow is Monday. Maybe I should start at one of the local schools.' He yawned, 'I'll decide in the morning.' With that he closed his eyes and drifted off into a light sleep.
**********
Down the hall Nabiki lay in her bed trying to sort out a few things of her own, 'Why the heck did I lose it and start crying in Duo's arms today?' she thought, 'Could it be that I was worried about him more than myself?' she shook her head. It was too late for this, and besides she had school in the morning. She rolled on her side and closed her eyes. Within minutes she was asleep, her dreams filled with what happened in the park after the fight in the bar. A smile crept onto her face as she slept, tomorrow would be a good day.
Once he was down the street he extended his senses once again just as his master taught him to, and began his search, 'I know you're here, now where are you.' He closed his eyes and let his other senses overtake him. In moments he could sense them, he could sense most of the people of Nerima. And he could sense him. All human beings had a ki signature and no two were the same, he had used his ability to track his fathers killer before, but he had never been this close before. He was here, the only thing left to do was to find him. But that wasn't the only thing he could sense something else, it was somehow familiar. His Master had told him what something like this would mean but he couldn't remember right now. Now was the time for the hunt, his target had never been this close before he had to take advantage of this opportunity, he had to find him. When Duo opened his eyes he turned in the direction of his target and broke into a run. He wouldn't let anything stop him now. He would find his fathers killer, then he would decide what to do with him.
The Wanderers Search: Chapter 2
When Nabiki finally woke up she realized what had happened. She had come back to her room with the intention of getting dressed and giving Duo the best tour of the city she could, but instead she had lay down on her bed and fallen asleep. When she finally did wake up she looked at her clock and jumped out of bed, '11:40 how'd it get so late?' Nabiki quickly got up and through on her cloths, and ran downstairs. As she looked around she noted that by the wall calendar that it was Sunday. That was a relief, Sundays meant no school, so she could relax.
Kasumi was in the kitchen preparing lunch, "Hay Kasumi. Don't you have work today?" Nabiki asked.
Kasumi looked over her shoulder to Nabiki, "Ukyou and Elder Cologne both called a earlier, they said that I could take the day off." She smiled and turned back to her cooking.
"Oh, hay that's great Kasumi." She looked around, "Hay where's Duo is he up yet?"
"He left earlier, there's a note over on the table from him. It says that he went out to take in the city."
Nabiki thought for a moment, "I'm going out for a wile Kasumi. I'll be back for dinner." She said as she raced from the house.
**********
The thugs never saw him coming. One minute they were having a good time shaking down kids for some quick cash and the some guy with a stick challenged them, and he made short work of them.
All except one, "I'll ask one more time," he said as he through the thug against the wall of a nearby building, "Where is Ketsueki Karasu?"
The thug was now quite scared, after all this guy had just taken down nine of his friends as if he wasn't even trying, but one thing scared him more, "I. I can't. He. He'll kill me." He said with a trembling voice.
The attacker looked at him, and in a voice so cold and emotionless that it brought a chill to the thug's blood said, "And what makes you so sure that I wont kill you if you don't tell me?" the thug looked up at him with unbelieving eyes, "I could quite easily kill you and wait for one of your more understanding friends to wake up and start questioning them." The thug's face went pale as he suddenly realized just how close to death he was coming.
"I. I. I can't." he said, his voice filled with fear.
The man frowned as if disappointed and the tug had the faintest glimmer of hope in his eyes, "Have it your way." He picked up the thug by the collar of his shirt and gave him a head butt that the thug could have sworn would have split a rock in half. Then he through the thug again, this time at a brick wall. The wall cracked under the force of the blow. "Are you ready to talk now, or shall we continue?"
The thug stumbled to his feet and was gripped with utter panic, he started to talk but had something that tasted salty in his mouth, after spitting it out he realized that it was his blood and one of his teeth, "Yes," he said in a somewhat panicked tone, "Yes, I'll tell you where to find Ketsueki Karasu."
His attacker smiled and said in a voice that betrayed only the slightest trace of happiness, "Good, now we're getting somewhere."
**********
Nabiki stood there unbelieving. She had spotted Duo not to long ago and followed him here, then she watched as he proceeded to render nine thugs unconscious and start to beet up another. Just as she was about to run over to him and ask him why he was doing this, he smiled and quickly walked away. Nabiki had to find out what was going on, she knew that her curiosity was getting the better of her again but she had to know.
Nabiki followed him for about ten blocks before he entered a small bar. As she looked around she realized just where she was, this was the Blood Carven's territory. The Blood Carven were the biggest gang in all of Nerima, they were also the most Violent. The police openly avoided this area once the sun had set, not even Ranma dared to come here. She didn't exactly want to go inside the bar, but if Duo was inside she would be at least a little bit safer then she was out here in the open. She made an audible gulping sound as she moved towards the bars entrance.
**********
Yes this was the place, there was no mistaking it. The tugs directions were perfect, as he entered the bar he couldn't help but have the feeling that something was about to happen. According to the thug Ketsueki Karasu usually hung out here when he was in town. As he approached the bartender he noticed the stares and looks he was attracting from most of the people. "I'm looking for Ketsueki Karasu, I was informed that he could be located here. Perhaps you could help me to locate him?" he said to the bartender.
The bartender looked at him as he cleaned a shot glass, "Karasu? Ya he was in here a few hours ago. Don't think he'll be back for a wile, said he had some business to attend to overseas."
Duo looked down at the bar before slamming his fist into it causing it to shatter into tiny splinters, "BLAST IT!" he shouted, "I was so close." He looked back at the bartender, "Did he say when he would be back?"
The bartender shook his head, "Nope sorry stranger. But he'll be back."
"Thanks for the help."
**********
Nabiki had barely gotten inside the door when the men inside started starring at her, 'Why didn't I change out of my school uniform before I left the house.' She quickly looked around and spotted Duo.
"Hay there Cutie." She looked as one of the men started moving towards her with a look of lust in his eyes, "How's about you and me get to know each other."
Nabiki tried to back away but found her path blocked by another man, "I don't think so." She tried moving towards the bar where she saw Duo, "I'm just here to meet a friend." " I wasn't asking sweetheart. I was telling." He said as he continued moving towards her.
**********
Duo started to leave but found his path blocked by two guys hassling a young woman, he looked closer as he tried to pass them heading for the door, 'Nabiki!?! What's she doing here? Not important, have to help her and fast.'
**********
Nabiki started to panic as the two men kept moving closer, "I really think that I should go now." She said as she tried to nudge her way past them, but to no avail they shoved her against the bar.
"I don't think you understand," said one, "Your ours now." Nabiki tried to run past them but one grabbed her by the arm and started to pull her back. Nabiki kicked him in the groin causing him to let go.
She was caught by the other and thrown against the bar again and the man drew his hand back and slapped her across the face leaving a red mark in the form of his hand, "Don't do that again." he said as he tightened his grip on her. Nabiki struggled to get free, but it was no use his grip was too tight. And buy now the one she had downed was getting up and looked very angry, "I said don't do that!" he shouted as he drew his hand back for another slap, but found his hand stuck as a stranger who was talking to the bartender now had a firm grip on his wrist.
"I wouldn't do that again if I were you." Said the stranger as he tightened his grip.
**********
Duo looked at Nabiki and tried to see if she had been hurt. She looked up into his eyes with an expression of terror on her face, "She'll be coming with me now." He said as he twisted the man's arm causing him to let go of Nabiki.
Nabiki now free of the man's grasp hid behind Duo as he through the man against the bar. Duo looked over his shoulder at her, "Are you alright?" he asked, all Nabiki could do was nod yes. She gasped as the other man made an attack on Duo with a stiletto knife. Duo dodged the attack but Nabiki could see a line of red appear on his face.
Duo snapped into action he quickly turned picked up Nabiki and at the same time made a jumping roundhouse kick which caught the man in the jaw sending him sprawling. He then ran from the building and down the street.
**********
A few minutes later when he was sure that they weren't being followed he stopped in a nearby park, and set Nabiki down on a park bench and walked over to a nearby tree and proceeded to punch it with all his might.
The tree splintered and fell from the unmerciful attack, he turned back to see Nabiki looking at him with a worried expression on her face, "I'm ok. I didn't mean to frighten you." He said and moved over to sit next to her on the park bench.
"Its ok." She said. Duo wasn't sure but he thought that he heard a bit of a sob in her voice. It was probably the realization of what had just happened to her.
"Hay its ok." Duo said trying to prevent the tears that he knew were coming, "You'll be all right, so don't worry. Those guys won't be trying anything again."
**********
Nabiki knew what Duo was trying to do, he was trying to comfort her after what just happened at the bar. Duo put his arm on her back and tried to reassure her, but it wasn't enough to keep her tears from coming, she buried her face into his chest, crying. She hardly felt his hand stroking her short hair or his arms encircling her in a tender embrace, though she couldn't help but be happy that someone was holding her, even if the happiness was hidden deep inside. After she had used up all her tears, she sat weakly in his arms, not wanting to move. Duo just held her, long after her tears had dried, he continued to cradle her gently against him.
He closed his eyes and tried to think about what to do next. When he sensed it again, the familiar energy, it was much closer this time, but where. He focused but was careful not to disturb Nabiki, who was resting peacefully in his arms, then it hit him, Nabiki was the source of the energy. Infact her energy signature was very similar to his, if only he could remember what his master had said.
He opened his eyes and looked down at her. No that was for another time. He had been traveling for five years without stopping anywhere for longer then it took to scan the area and search for his father's killer, then he would move on. He had never had time to get to know anyone. He suddenly felt the feeling he felt the day before when Nabiki had touched his hand. He felt that he should stay here for a wile. He felt that he should get to know her more. But for right now just sitting here with her resting in my arms was enough.
**********
Hours seemed to pass in minutes as the two just held each other in a tender embrace when Nabiki heard the familiar sound of the Nerima Bell tower. It was 5 o'clock. She looked up at Duo and saw his red eyes again, she felt her stomach knot up as he looked back, his eyes full of caring and concern, "We should be heading back soon. I told Kasumi that I would be back before dinner." She reluctantly stood up out of his worm touch, "Kasumi will start to worry if we don't get home before dark."
Duo smiled to keep her from seeing the disappointment at having to let her go, but had to agree that they should be heading back to the house. He looked around for a moment then scratched his head, "Umm. You'll have to give me some directions," he said, "I don't really know where we are." Duo started to laugh.
Nabiki laughed for a moment with Duo before nodding and pointing in the direction of the Tendo House, and started to walk in that direction.
She suddenly found herself in the air as Duo picked her up and started jumping from rooftop to rooftop in the direction she had pointed. Both of them secretly glad to be back in the others warm embrace.
**********
"Where is that Nabiki?" Kasumi said looking a little worried, "Its almost dark out, she knows how dangerous it is now to be outside."
"Should I go look for her?" asked Ranma, a genuine look of concern on his face. "I'm sure I could." he stopped short as he heard a noise of someone landing on the roof. Then heard them land in the yard and start walking towards the back door. Ranma stood up and tensed as the door started to open.
"We're home." Said Nabiki as she opened the door, "Sorry is we worried you."
Duo walked in behind her, "You'll have to excuse me if I decline on dinner tonight. I'll be in the Dojo if anyone needs me." He said as he walked out the door and around the corner to the families training hall.
Kasumi gasped as she noticed the mark on Nabiki's face. And the scare on Duo's just before he left the room, "Nabiki are you alright?" she said moving closer to inspect the bruise on her sisters face.
"What? Oh this. Yes I'm fine. Sit down I'll tell you about it over dinner."
Kasumi sat down and served the food then listened intently as Nabiki recounted the day's events.
**********
Duo lay on his back in the middle of the training hall, 'Damn it. I was so close. I had never been that close before.' He cursed himself for not being there sooner, 'And what's worse is that I put Nabiki in danger. Ya that's a great one Karr, great way to start a relationship, almost get them killed. Ya just great.' He sighed, 'Maybe I should just back off for a wile. Wait a month or two for him to come back, then start looking again. Ya that might work.' He was broken out of his train of thought when he heard the Dojo's door open. He looked, Kasumi was walking over to him.
"Can I speak with you for a minute Duo?" she asked, her tone suggested that he agree.
"Sure." He said as he sat up into a cross-legged position. "What is it?"
Kasumi took a deep breath before continuing, "Duo, Nabiki told us about what happened today. How you beet up the gang members, how you went to the bar, how she followed you, how you saved her," she paused before continuing, "how you comforted her in the park." Duo tilted his head slightly to one side trying to catch what Kasumi was driving at, "Duo I want you to understand something. My sister may have feelings for you. And is she does then she will want to be with you most of the time. So with my father gone, and until Ranma and Akane are married, I am head of this house." She waited a moment to let the information sink in, "So in order to prevent today's events from happening again I want you to do two things. The first is to promise me that wile you are staying here you won't do what you did today again."
Duo thought for a moment and decided that it was probably for the best that he stop hunting Karasu for a wile, "Yes." He nodded, "I promise. And the second?"
Kasumi looked him in the eye before continuing, "I want you to tell me who it is that you are looking for here in Nerima. And why you were at that bar."
Duo looked down and studied the floor for a minute before answering, "His name is Ketsueki Karasu. I've been searching for him for the past five years." He looked up into Kasumi's eyes before he continued, "He's the man who killed my father."
Kasumi's eyes went wide with shock as she suddenly realized what Duo was probably planning to do once he found Karasu, "Duo you can't avenge your fathers death by killing his murderer. That will only bring more pain." Her eyes became filled with concern, "Can you promise me that if you find him, you won't kill him?"
Duo thought for a moment, "I'm sorry. But that's a promise that I don't know I'll be able to keep. But I do promise that I won't search for him wile I'm staying here."
Kasumi half smiled, "Well I suppose that's good enough for now." She stood up. "Its late I think I'll go turn in." she started to leave but stopped at the door and looked back, "Duo, thank you. Thank you for helping us yet again. Without you there Nabiki wouldn't have made it out of there today."
Duo nodded as Kasumi left the training hall. He fell to his back to think about a few things for a wile. After an hour or so he decided that he had best go turn in himself unless he wanted to sleep in the Dojo.
He quietly made his way up to the guest room where he slept. And once inside lay down and tried to sleep. 'Today was Sunday. That means tomorrow is Monday. Maybe I should start at one of the local schools.' He yawned, 'I'll decide in the morning.' With that he closed his eyes and drifted off into a light sleep.
**********
Down the hall Nabiki lay in her bed trying to sort out a few things of her own, 'Why the heck did I lose it and start crying in Duo's arms today?' she thought, 'Could it be that I was worried about him more than myself?' she shook her head. It was too late for this, and besides she had school in the morning. She rolled on her side and closed her eyes. Within minutes she was asleep, her dreams filled with what happened in the park after the fight in the bar. A smile crept onto her face as she slept, tomorrow would be a good day.