Warrior's Edge

By Soulwave


Disclaimer: This is fanfiction created by yours truly. the characters portrayed in this chapter are the property of Sammy Corp. and whoever else owns them. so they shouldn't be used in this manner without the permission of the company. but hey it's my story so anything goes.

The headquarters of the Sacred Order of the Holy Knights Pacific division company was frantic as every floor, corridor and office were filled with personal hard at work. their wasn't a section of this building which wasn't on high alert. department officials were running up and down the halls in a mad dash as a steady stream of information was exchanged amongst fellow department heads. if it was your first time visiting the Knight's home base from your first look at it you would consider this place to be a warzone. chaos reigned supreme.


"Sector 17 hasn't contacted us with a progress report, were coming up on 6 hours since last known transmission"


"We've lost our link with both the 48th and 53rd squad stationed in Singapore"


"The 13th squad are engaged in combat with a local militia group, their location is sector 4"


"Still no communication from our Royal Elite Squad, we are coming up on 48 hours since the teams last transmission sir"


Captain Ky Kiske listened to the on rush of reports from his special tactical Intel team. while at the same time he monitored the events of the Holy Knights through his computer screen. "We've just received a report via radio transmission from our Delta unit sir, they've made contact with the missing 38th unit that was sent out to Hong Kong" blue-green eyes watching as these events unfold before him. the leader of the Holy Knights stood there arms crossed studying the latest intel to hit the Knight's private servers.


Reports were coming into the computer network by the bucket loads, status reports from knights sent out on field missions were the most frequently collected information. every 15 to 20 minutes the department would receive an incoming message from field soldiers giving heads up on a their unit's progression through their operation. at first it started out with the usual routines, upon arrival to a team's location. all team leaders are to report in that they have successfully made it to there destination and are proceeding with the operation. after that unit's are to check in with headquaters every two hours to give a update on their situation.


Everything was going fine, teams were doing things by the book. that was twenty-four hours ago. that's when everything just went to hell in the Knight's Tactical Command Center. since yesterday this room has been bombarded in the color red from the high alert security protocol lights. information, headline reports coming in from the field. one unit missing here another missing there, another after another. the command center losing their tracking signal( which is activated on the time of their departure from headquaters and monitored by G.P.S) or the worst the lose of soldiers or an entire field unit.


This was the situation Captain Kiske found himself caught up in watching the numerous computer screens. he also received intel through a ear piece and head set. he was attacked by a constant stream of information both audio and visually. plus along with these reports from the battle field Ky also felt the heat coming from the top brass at the Union of Nations base of operations located in Europe.


The leaders of the Union more the animated with the Captain wanting answers to questions Ky cannot possibly give at this time. everything is in disarray, Ky himself has a lot of question he needs to be answered. two which are more important than the others. who is behind all of this? and what is the objective behind it?


As the mayhem developed right in front of Ky, a flash from a green light below him on a command console grabbed his attention. he leaned forward pressing the illuminated button. "Go ahead" even though surrounded by chaos Kiske's voice displays calmness.


"Sir we have interfaced with at least one of the still functioning orbital satellites" a voice spoke through the intercom speaker. "Standby for satellite imaging on the last known whereabouts of the royal elite force team" a minute passed before a picture was displayed on the command center's main screen. horror filled the eyes on a majority of personal in the command center as they look at the aerial display of the area where the knights were last noted. the scene shown was lurid as the lifeless bodies of fallen knights laid across the floor.


Ky kept himself in check as the images produced were enhanced giving a better view of the bloody visual. eyes scanning the live video feed death and fire capturing Ky's vision. "What is the team's last known location?"


"The team's location sir is......sector 59, northern China" Ky quickly receiving an answer. "There seems to be no survivors captain" Kiske was quiet as the orbital satellite's camera panned across the field.


"We can't just give up because of what we've just seen on the screen, okay begin a scan of the surrounding area for any possible knights as well for enemy presence" the blonde Frenchmen commanded.


"Yes sir" one personal member shouted immediately getting to work on the task of searching for survivors.


"Secondly inform any available units in sector 59 to converge on that area for retrieval duty" when a team is sent out to the field a recorder is issued to them in order to keep a log of the activities during the operation. if the team is killed or missing a second squad classified as a retrieval unit is sent to the last known location to find the recorder or their recorder's mission log.


"Scans show no sign of life for 10 miles Captain" the voice of a military personal rang through the ear piece of Kiske. "Sir we also have no ground unit's presently stationed in that area but we do have the 2nd airborne unit close by"


"That'll be good enough contact the air unit and give them the Royal squads location and inform them to pick up the recording logs"


"Yes sir Captain right away, what should we do concerning the squad themselves?" Ky paused for a minute before he answered.


"Have them retrieve our fallen comrades as well and transport them to nearest outpost" Ky said with authority. "Their top priority is to collect that recording log, perhaps it can provide us with some clues as to who is responsible" with those thoughts his team went straight to work again. "As soon as the retrieval team acquires the log have them transmit it directly to my office level 5 security procedure" giving his final command Captain Ky Kiske turned and headed for the exit.


He calmly walked down the hall passing through the busy area, the Frenchmen's mind deep in thought as he took the long trek back to his office. Ky possessed a few theories as to who might be behind all of this but he wasn't going to jump to conclusion. he would compare his thought's with the information he gathers from the royal force's recording logs. as he made a right turn at the end of the hall someone called out to the blonde haired leader.


"Excuse me Captain Kiske sir" the Frenchmen halted in his tracks and thoughts turning around to face the person who called out to him. he was introduced to shoulder length raven hair falling down the side of her curved face. soft blue eyes met his blue-green orbs. glossed lips put into a thin line. she stood before Ky upright wearing a variation of the standard issue Holy Knights uniform white black trimmed. instead of wearing pants she wore a skirt with black trims at the hem that ended below her knees and a pair of white ankle high boots. her expression is reserved as she regarded the Frenchmen with the proper respect saluting him.


"Commander Kusanagi what can I do for you?" Kiske returning the salute.


"Sir we've been able to re-establish communication with some of our missing units" second in command Kusanagi informed Ky as he continued his walk down the hall to his office.


"That's good to hear commander, tell me what is status of those units?"


"Reports indicate that they seem to be fairing well sir, minor casualties at least two fatalities per unit Captain" Kusanagi reading from a file report in her hand following Kiske.


"Okay then send out an air recovery team to gather our troops, once they've return have each field recorder hand over there recording logs to me commander"


"Understood Captain, one other thing sir. even though our information is a little sketchy intel from our soldiers report the presence of a female in a red costume accompanied by a man who we can't make a ID with"


"But you have your suspicions as to who that lady in red might be don't you Kusanagi?"


"Yes sir, I-no" her tone was controlled as she let the words of that leather clad vixen cross her lips. Ky stopped for a second time turning to face commander Kusanagi. blue-green eyes captured the casual look drawn on Kusanagi's face. but her eyes were a whole different matter. Kiske knows about Rena's past, how her family was murdered by a rogue gear 2 years ago. though the gear responsible for it wasn't I-no Rena has grown to hate all gears. kind of like a certain pink haired Japanese woman he knows. Kusanagi has made it her mission to eliminate every gear from this planet.


"Even though we don't possess any hard evidence at this moment it's a strong possibility that I-no is the woman in red. if so then when we've confirmed it I want you Rena to create a special ops team focused around your command as it's core member to track and apprehend the gear"


"Thank you sir" commander Kusanagi responded, once again the raven haired officer saluting her commanding officer. Ky gave a brief smile raising his hand to his head.


"Dismissed commander" afterwards he continued to walk back to his office. lights from the outside hallways provided brief illumination for Ky's office as he gripped the door knob turned, entering into his personal sanctuary. the Frenchman slowly stepping into his spacious room, a heavy sigh leaving Kiske's lips as he closed the door leaning against the polished surface. exhaustion capturing Captain Kiske as he massages those heavy blue-green eyes pressing his head back to the door. right now the only thing that matters to Ky is to head over to that large plush couch kick his feet up and catch some rest.


He was coming up on nearly thirty hours with no type of relief. so out of it Ky is that he didn't notice the presence of someone else in his office. "Having a rough morning there are we boy scout?" blue-green eyes snapped opened to the sudden voice. peering through his fingers Ky focused his vision in the direction from which he registered the voice from.


Sitting behind his desk, reclining in his opulent leather chair Sol Badguy gazed at the dumbfounded Ky Kiske with a malevolent grin. Ky is at a lost for words as Sol, the Frenchman's advisory perhaps equal in combat sit there before him feet resting comfortably on his oakwood desk. arms crossed and a cigar pressed between the rebel's lips. "Sol!" a whisper of disbelief emitted from Captain Kiske due to this man's presence here.


"You know what boy scout it's times such as this that I'm glad I made the right decision to leave the knights" Sol expressed taking a long drag from his cigar releasing the smoke from his mouth in the shape of a ring. Ky found himself silent utterly surprised by the bad-ass American who enjoyed his extremely rare Cuban. "Damn Kiske you must be feeling the heat from top brass right about now" he said turning his stare from Ky to a group of pictures hanging on a wall.


"What the hell are you doing here Sol?" finally able to collect himself presenting a question.


"Just taking a stroll down memory lane boy scout" replying while focusing on one particular picture. even from this distance he could clearly see himself standing next to his once teacher Kliff Underson and Ky this was taken during his days as an upcoming Holy Knight. "So tell me how is the old man doing these days?"


"Relaxing comfortably under retirement" Ky answered stepping forward to stand in front of his desk.


"Hmmm that's good to hear a man his age should be taking it easy resting comfortably in a hammock on some paradise Island with young women feeding him grapes rather than raising his Zanryuutou"


"I'll ask again Sol, what is your reason for you being here?" the Frenchman not buying that memory lane bull.


"Calm yourself boy scout, I'm here because of your current situation" he stated in a severe tone turning away from the wall. Sol removed the cigar from his lips placing it between his fingers.


"Do you know what's going on here, what information do you have Sol?" asking the American somewhat eagerly.


"I know about as much as you do Kiske, now all I'm trying to do is piece together what it means" a moment was taken by the prototype gear to savor his cigar before he started his analysis. "At 0900 hours yesterday a distress signal was sent out by a field unit stationed in Southeast Asia, Malaysia to be precise. reports indicated that the field unit was engaged in a sudden fire fight pinned down under heavy combat conditions" he paused in his critique to have another pull of his Cuban. "To which the signal was lost afterwards, 15 minutes later multiple distress signals started to flood your network reporting the same situation as the first unit heavy firing from an unknown enemy which later saw the lost of 45% of your field units out on missions am I correct boy scout?"


Ky was seething now, how exactly was he able to get that information. no one outside of the Knights is supposed to have this intel. Sol could see Kiske's obvious disbelief in Sol's ability to acquire classified information. "I have my methods Kiske"


"Whose the mole working for you in the Knights Sol?" the Frenchman containing his anger.


"Uh-uh now I can't go and give you that information Kiske it could endanger the safety of my mole" a sly grin drawn across Sol's lips.


"If you already know what the situation is Sol why come here then?"


"I may know what is going down with your Knights Kiske but I don't know whose behind it" hazardous vapor released from the American's lips as he pulled on his cigar.


"You really don't know whose behind this Sol" more of a statement than a question. "Well now this is a surprise to me, your usually the one that has the 411 on this kind of thing before anybody else"


"Watch it Kiske I gotta pretty good idea where your going with this boy scout do you have any proof that shows it's `HIM` and his flunkies?" from the lack of response Sol already has his answer. "I thought so, never jump to conclusions without solid facts boy scout that's what Kliff sensei taught us"


"So do you have any ideas as to who it might be responsible for this?" blonde hair was parted from his face as he walked over to the recently installed mini bar even though Ky's not really know as a drinker he frequently indulges himself in the flavor of alcohol whenever he's stressed out from work. pulling out a small glass and a bottle of cognac filling it with two ice cubes he poured himself a much needed drink of the dark liquid.


"Not as of yet, but I have my people looking into it"


"All right Sol tell me then what makes you think that HE isn't behind all of this?"


"Think about it other than the Holy War what are other times we've seen him strike against the Knights?" Sol was right other than the great war that mysterious person hasn't really made himself known after that.


"True he hasn't really made himself know to the public, however never dismiss anyone as a suspect useless you have evidence proving them innocent" another piece of inciteful ideology from Kliff Underson.


"I doubt he's capable of staging such an event like this" Sol reflecting for a moment. "He doesn't possess the necessary man power as before during the great war" most of the gears under his banner during that time were defeated, captured and finally destroyed under the orders of the union nation's leaders. all remaining gears that went rogue were later apprehended and received the same fate as those before them. all known facilities that were used by HIM and his colleagues are destoryed or taken over by the Knights. so it's impossible for him to raise an army he simply doesn't have the resources to do so.


"You have no solid intel Kiske, you can't even prove to me right now that this situation has to due with gear involvement"


"Okay then Sol who else besides 'HIM' is capable of doing this?"


"Have you ever considered the Assassins Guild, they have the capability to mount and launch such an offensive against you Knights" the spiky haired immortal flame presenting a new angle.


"It's a possibility but you know the news right now concerning the Guilds, they are currently at civil war over which order should reunite all the other prides as one under their banner" he stirred his iced cognac before bringing it to his lips drinking half of the glass' content. "So it would be impossible for the guild to have a war with themselves and another with us their resources are thin at the moment"


"Well then if it's not our friendly neighborhood black mages it seems that we may have a new player in the game"


"You maybe correct Sol, if their is someone new at the table we have to figure out what kind of cards our new friend has in his or her possession" he walked over to his long plush couch kicking his feet up on the couch's arm rest his body fully extending on the soft cushioning. "However I will not be a fool and jump to conclusion, I'll need evidence to support that theory" Sol didn't respond he just kept quiet looking at the Frenchman with a mixture of disbelief and disgust. even though he's familiar with Ky's tactics and methods for handling situations there are times when the immortal hunter is left appalled by Ky.


"So your going to wait for evidence while there's a high probability that more of your Knights will be killed before then, come on boy scout" calmness in his words.


"Then what do you suppose I do Sol?" annoyance in Ky as blue-green eyes were brought down on Badguy. "Let's say there is a new enemy threat without any evidence and intel tell me how would I go about starting a search for this new foe where would I possibly begin?"


"That's your freaking problem Kiske not mine" a cool voice emitted from Sol as he stood from Ky's chair snuffing out his rare Cuban in a nearby ash tray. the spiky brown haired American walked over to a open window. ochre eyes wavered across the fields beyond this glass window.


A heavy sigh was let loose from Ky's lips as he rested his head back on the couch's arm rest, the back of his hand pressed against his forehead. enervation getting the best of him. the Frenchman couldn't believe how bad this day was turning out, first the situation with a unknown threat and now this. "Sol?" Ky's called out in a soft tone.

"What's your angle in this predicament?"


"Just like you boy scout I'm a pawn in a game of chess I didn't even now I was apart of, just trying to survive"

******

Two hours passed since the last of the festivities from O-bon had concluded, it's now fifteen minutes past midnight. the moon shining brightly high upon the night sky, it's light bearing down on the now semi-quiet town. where once every street were filled with town folk and visitors interacting and enjoying themselves heartily. it has now becoming empty, everyone were either indoors sleeping off the effects of yesterday's events or continuing to celebrate. well the streets weren't completely devoid of people there were the usuals. beggars and drunkards sleeping on the streets, corners or in between small spacings of two buildings.


There were also a few who couldn't afford to pay for room and lodging so they walked up and down the town drinking aimlessly and singing off key. yes were the fun from O-bon ended celebrations were continued indoors. they're still a few who believed that the night was still young and there is a lot more partying left in their system to have a good time until the sun comes up.


One such place is the town's hotel inn. the elegant resonance from a flute could be heard mixing with the sour off beat tune from a mass of intoxicated drinkers singing some incomprehensible mantra, probably a melody known to be heard amongst soldiers on the battle field. this was soon followed by a jovial uproar. though the Inn was still very much alive with people in the mood to party not all of it's guest were in the same mode of celebration like a large majority of others. one room in particular was that of a certain silver haired ninja by the name Chipp Zanuff.


Instead of celebrating in large numbers the American opted to enjoy his time with the company of two and a few bottles of Japanese rice wine in the privacy of his own room. "Now that was a absolutely exquisite fireworks display, a great way to put a close on yesterday's activities" a laid back Anji Mito stated as he sipped on a hot cup of herbal tea. the joven scholar not that of drinker like Zanuff or Seishino here not after having that encounter with a middle aged fat woman from that burlesque house he visited in the country formly known as the United States.


The incidents from his first time of drinking alcohol has left Anji working hard to lower his encounter with the influential liquid as much as possible. "Yep I can definitely say that it was interesting especially the last proportion of the light show" Chipp stepping in with his assessment as he laid sprawled across the floor with four empty cup surrounding him.


"Amazing how did they get those explosions to form into a bird like that?" Anji asked in wonder as he recalled the scene of a dove being formed. helping himself to a second serving of herb tea. "Yesterday has truly turned out to be a spectacular day" enjoying his cup of tea Anji reached out for a batch of cookies laid on the table before him. his taste buds savoring the sweet sugary effect.


"Well I wouldn't call last night as 'spectacular' now, if you were to take away the poems, prayers and fireworks it's just your average looking fair you'd find on any of the four corners of this planet" a hand waved dismissively in the air as Chipp remarked.


"Then how would you describe yesterday's events Chipp, please I would love to hear your two cents" Anji asked taking a large bite out of his cookie.


"Let's see I would call the festival's events as, nice"


"Nice! you'd call the past day's events the dancing, poetry, fireworks, theater, ceremonial prayer as nice Chipp" shock lined Mito's words as he released them for Zanuff to hear.


"Yes Mito nice" Chipp nonchantly commented as he brought his now sake filled cup to his lips partaking in the delicious flavor. raven eyes narrowed watching in slight disgust as Chipp eagerly drank away. setting the cup down on the floor Chipp dipped his fingers inside small white bowl of fried shrimp taking a large one scooped some tarter sauce on it and hungrily consumed the crispy seafood. the silver haired American moaned in delight from it's taste. "Dude you gotta understand majority of the events you saw happens on a daily basis so there's no need to get all hot and excited about it"


Strands of black hair were parted from Anji Mito's vision, the Japanese scholar losing his patience with the American shinobi. he never did like those who didn't think or spoke highly of the Japanese culture as Mito does himself. the side of Anji's mouth curled into a sneer. Chipp caught the scornful reaction on the Japanese scholar's face. "Is there something wrong Mito you have something to say?" Zanuff now sitting up getting into Anji's face. tensions rising as a standoff was created by the two gentlemen. a displeased expression placed on both their faces as eyes locked with one another giving off a murderous stare. if it weren't for the lovely pink haired Japanese babe stepping in between them a fight might've ensued.


Her peach colored iris watched both men as they engaged in this small argument. Baiken's body laid sprawled out on Chipp's futon, resting on her left side her chin plopped in her hand supported by her elbow embedded softly in the pillow, right leg resting on top slightly bent. the Japanese bombshell no longer in that fashionable red and white silk kimono but back in her usual loose fitting kimono. which exposed the beauty of the skin beneath it's fabric. "Oh will you boys just give it a rest already" Baiken calmly voiced but both gentlemen could see annoyance marked across the stunning woman's face. "Understand this Mito-san not everyone is a patriotic as you are Chipp is entitled to his own views please respect that" her words soft as she made her statement to the brown spiked haired Anji. "And for you Chipp it's sometimes best to keep you comments to yourself"


"You are correct Baiken forgive me I can be a little too steadfast, devoted is a better word" Anji quickly apologizing to Seishino, but she didn't seem to really care for the statement of regret. Baiken's attention was focused elsewhere as her sole peach eye gazed at Chipp who in turn gazed back at the remarkable woman with intense red-amber eyes and smug grin. silence washing over the room words becoming pointless at this time, a flirtaous spark crossed Chipp's eyes. she showed no reaction to it. her amazing features giving off a neutral expression. ending the stare down Chipp turned his eye's attention away from the alluring pink haired swordsman having another cup of sake.


Baiken sat upright from her reclined positioned. fingers gliding through that rich mane of pink as she pulled it off her shoulders letting it flow down her back the Japanese babe deciding to keep it in the same hair style as the previous night. moving to stand up on her feet she adjusted her kimono which exposed the warm skin on her bare legs. Anji Mito blushed as raven orbs stole a quick glance at the area flesh right at the opening apex of Baiken's kimono gazing at those wonderful thigh muscles. "So Mito what've you been up to since the last time I saw you?"


"Umm I've been doing some traveling a lot leaving the colony and heading over to Europe to enlighten myself" he moved fast to reply tearing his focus from the sweetness that is Baiken to Chipp's question.


"Well?" Chipp asked tilting his head back to drink his fifth cup of rice wine.


"Well what Zanuff?" Anji spoke.


"Have you been enlightened Mito-san?"


"Of course Chipp I've encountered some pretty amazing things spending most of my time in Eastern Europe" he expressed in great joy fixing his glasses. "I've learned a considerable amount in such a short period spent there, I was given a chance to visit the old ruins of Vacitian City and assist an old friend in a archaeological dig. we were able to uncover a hidden section of the city which housed manuscripts, ancient texts and various sources of information" pride flowing in Anji's words and a big ass kool-aid smile to go with it as he revealed his tale to Baiken and Chipp. further explaining his little Indiana Jones wannabe adventure Anji told about the excitement he felt as he picked a digging tool going straight to work uncovering mother earth engaging in a excavation searching for history.


"More exciting than a orgasm Anji boy?" Chipp chimed in with little interest as he downed his sixth cup of rich Japanese sake.


"It may not be as stimulating as some of your adventures Chipp-san but it puts a smile on may face just knowing I'm apart of history, it leaves goosebumps over my body" the Nippon Scholar catching the look on Chipp's face.


"Hey if that's how you get off by playing in the dirt then it's your thing" Zanuff uttered. Seishino shook her head in slight embarrassment.


"Chipp!" her tone was like a teacher to a troublesome student admonishing him. "So what are you doing now Anji-san?" the sweet gentle tone of Baiken's voice brought Mito's senses down on her.


"Nothing that much really for the last six months I've spent it at the archaeological site so I've decided to spend more time home" in the hopes of being reunited with a certain lovely Katana wielding woman but he kepted that little tidbit to himself. "As they say 'there's no place like a colony" the only foolish dumb ass laughing at his own joke.


"Yep Mito your right, there is no place like a colony with barbed wire on it's fences" Chipp pointed out the security measures placed around the camp facilities which housed the Japanese population. placing them in a isolated state from the outside world 'for there protection' "Oh yeah real homely" Anji ignored Chipp's childish comment not wanting to waste his breath in arguing with the silver haired Zanuff.


"What did I tell you before Chipp, keep your thoughts to yourself" Baiken tilting her head in the direction of Chipp, frustation in the warrior's voice.


"So whadda gonna do about it Kouchou, spank me?" a devilish glint in his amber colored eyes as he created a visual in his mind.


"The only way I'm getting close to that ass of yours Zanuff is if I'm kicking it or shoving my katana up......."


"You naughty girl is that how you get your kicks Baiken-san?" wicked grin marked over Chipp Zanuff's lips.


"Seeing as how you said we live behind barbed wire fences a girl's gotta do something to keep herself entertained" a smile formed on her lips.


"If your looking for enterainment, something to keep you occupied I can help you" the shinobi's tone of voice becoming deeper as he set his eyes on Baiken


"No thanks I'll stick to my current source of pleasure" she walked over to her bag, searching inside Baiken pulled out her old smoke pipe a family heirloom passed down generations. setting it down on a nearby table Baiken revealed a small brown pouch from her pocket, she collected a small amount of tobacco depositing into the pipe's mouth. bringing the pipe to her lips Seishino checked her trusty bag once more. "Damn it" Baiken cursed as she ran her hand through her bag looking for a match and produced none. the sound of a match head striking against rough surface grabbed Seishino attention as she watched Chipp assist her by lighting one on a table offering it to her. "Arigato Chipp-san" tilting her pipe downward for Zanuff's offer.


Her body filled with a wondrous sensation as the nicotine flowed through Baiken giving the desired effect she wished. Anji sighed try as he may during his journey with Seishino at the tournament to let go of that habit to smoke the beautiful Japanese swordsman would not quit. "So how are you Baiken?" a smile crossed Mito's lips as the pink haired beaut sat opposite of Mito smoking.


"I've been doing pretty well since the tournament no weirdos with a paper bag over there head sporting a big ass scalpel looking to dissect me or some little girl bounty hunter dressed as a nun with a yo-yo chasing me like before" Seishino took another puff. "Life has been good"


"Yeah I know what you mean I haven't seen a green robot disguised as a Holy Knight coming after me not since the tournament" Mito's smile was wide pouring himself another cup of herbal tea. silence filled the room as all three heard the joyous off key melody begin anew downstairs. the silver haired American turned his head looking back, he stood walking out to the balcony something outside grabbing Zanuff's attention. Baiken watched as Chipp walked over to the balcony checking out the situation occurring out front. from what she can hear from here it's probably a brawl going on between two drunks. not wasting a second to think about it she continued smoking her pipe. "So Baiken what will you do now where are you going afterwards?"


"I'm not sure yet" answering before indulging in her pipe. the four eyed Japanese thinker observed Baiken carefully.


"So what've you been up to since the tournament" he asked enjoying another cookie with his tea.


"Traveling just like you Anji" she mouthed letting the smoke spill from her luscious lips.


"But for different reasons" the beautiful pink haired swordsman was silent as she placed her peach iris on the table's surface. "Tell me Baiken-san have you encountered 'HIM' since the last meeting you had at the tournament?"


"No all my leads and sources turn out to be dead ends or out dated which sets me back" Baiken said as she inhaled the relaxing nicotine in her respiratory system.


"It's becoming a tiresome task trying to locate our mysterious friend"


"Usually just that Mito-san"


"Almost makes you want to give up trying to search for him" everything stopped, her pipe slipped from her full lips and her single iris stared off at Mito's pair of black eyes with bewilderment before turning into a cold glare in a flash.


"That is something that'll never happen as long as I'm able to stand on my own two feet and raise this sword I will not rest until i've tasted vengeance" only one type of emotion passed through Baiken, pure hate as she looked deeply at Anji with her single eye. from his position the Japanese thinker could feel the rage emitted by Seishino.


"It's just that everytime either of us go on a search for him were always a step behind"


"I don't give a damn how far behind I may be this blade shall eventually taste the blood of those who have caused me this pain and suffering" the pink haired Japanese lady said spitefully. "He killed innocent people your family and mines I don't know about you Mito but I can't just let that pass so easily"


"Please believe me I do understand the pain your feeling but......"


"Look Anji if you desire to discontinue this pursuit for 'HIM' that's your business, however I shall not be persuaded other wise you'd tried it before at the tournament and it failed, what makes you think it'll be different now?" she didn't receive an immediate reply. "But ask yourself this Anji, will justice for your family's death be served if he continues to go about freely?"


"Sometimes you don't need a sword to set you on the path of amnesty" he whispered in remembrance of his slain family as images of their death filled his conscious.


"Sorry Mito we all can't be as forgiving as you seem to be" a timid response was Baiken's way, inhaling the soothing tobacco into her system. saying that Baiken stood from her floor seat cushion and walked out to the balcony in silence leaving a woeful Anji Mito all to himself and his herbal tea. it seems that all the commotion outside was nothing more than a group of drunks getting kicked out for not being able to pay. Chipp leaned forward against the balcony's balustrade looking up to Tsuki-Yumi's moon. the American ninja in deep thought as he gazed upward into a clear night sky.


Baiken approached silently pipe in her mouth single hand gripping it as she smoked it. she stood beside the contemplating Gaijin, eye closed as her back leaned against the rail enjoying as her lips slowly drew on the pipe reveling in it's affect on her body relaxing soothing the Nippon hottie. she turned facing the same direction as Chipp, peached colored iris looking out to view the vast expanse of the town's rice fields that were situated north. a fascinating scene of fireflies dancing across the field's captured Baiken's attention, as they moved through the air leaving a path of lights in their wake.


"I've made a decision, I'll be accompanying you on your search for our mysterious individual"


"And what brought about this decision might I ask?" he spoke out evenly continuing to observe the orbital source of light.


"As I've explained to Anji just a few minutes ago all of my leads for the past two months have been dead ends, wild goose chases" Baiken's single eye watching intently over the small insects. "I have yet to find at least one valuable reliable piece of information"


"And you believe that I could be helpful to you in divulging my own intel" he stared absently at the moon and stars filling the sky.


"Yes it would be beneficial to exchange information Chipp" bitter sweet resonance from patrons below wavered over the scene for a few seconds before Baiken continued. "It can also be beneficial for the two of us to join together to have extra muscle when the time comes"


"Hmph and what if I say no to your proposal?"


"You can reject my idea Chipp but consider carefully the consequences for that rejection" Baiken received a faint chuckle from Zanuff. the American took a moment to think over his options. there were definitely an advantage and disadvantage for bringing the Nippon bombshell along with him. it could be helpful to have the pink haired beauty assistance on this mission, like the old saying 'There's strength in numbers' however the downside of Seishino going along is the risk of her life being put in endanger during a battle. another advantage is that Baiken possesses a few high level connections which would see them getting into places Chipp doesn't have a chance in hell of reaching through with his own people.


"Okay then Kouchou your in welcome aboard"


"Thank you Chipp-san" she said pleased with the American's decision. a small trail of smoke wavered in the night air as Baiken enjoyed the remnants inside her pipe.


"We'll leave immediately in the morning right after breakfast though" Zanuff informing her of his game plan. "Gotta have a healthy meal of eggs and bacon to start a day off"


"If were going to leave early then I suggest that we should get as much sleep as possible" the voice of Anji Mito captured both warrior's attention as they turned to face Anji who held a stern gaze.


"I wasn't aware that this would be a three man journey Mito-san" a surprised Chipp said.


"You'll need all the assistance you can afford Chipp and don't try to deny it either" a solid expression fixed over Anji's face.


"I don't like carrying around extra baggage Mito it'll just slow me down" narrow eyes brought down on the Japanese man


"Chipp-san I can assure you that I'll in no way hold you down I can pull my own weight" for the next few seconds words were useless in this discussion Zanuff could see a definite resolve in Anji's features one he's never seen before in his time knowing the Japanese scholar. he wouldn't take no for an answer, he wondered what could have happened to make Mito react in such a way. his amber orbs shifted from Anji to Baiken watching the silent Japanese woman as she returned his look with a shrug of her shoulders.


"Get some rest you two we'll be leaving early we gotta schedule to keep and Mito your ass is cooking breakfast" Chipp walked passed Mito re-entering the room preparing to sleep leaving the two outside. "For some reason I can't picture my Kouchou in a apron with a frying pan in her hands" Baiken didn't even waste her breathe in arguing with Chipp mainly because he spoke the truth. Baiken watched Anji with a careful eye, he could literally feel her gaze upon him and in kind turned to look at her saying nothing to Seishino. though she kepted a calm facade Baiken found herself in deep contemplative disarray.


It wasn't but a few minutes ago that Mito was talking to her about giving up on this whole quest, what could've happened in the time between that discussion and now that might've changed Mito's prospective?

******

Echoing sounds of howling wolves blanketed across the clear open plain as the moon highlighted the area with it's lunar light. for a certain black skinned beast he heard the call of the wild letting that form of communication fill him. it's primal roar appealing to his bestiality side. for the hybrid monster know simply as Zero he surrendered himself to the beast in his heart calling out with a roar putting those wolves to shame.


Zero is a creation of both science and magic, an amalgamation by the original creators of the gears and founding members of an alchemist group. designed to be the best in it's field the hybrid Zero is breed to be a perfect foot solider showing exemplary skills in survival tactic, tracking and combat. currently Zero is using all of his known skills in the category of tracking down his target, just like in all previous locations his target's scent is left behind strong in this stale air. the same can be said for the target's energy signature indicating that she was here not but a few hours ago before departing.


A deep breath came from the beast as he concentrated on the surrounding area, placing his body in a medative state. this is one of Zero's methods of tracking someone who possesses abilities similar to the girl's, using their own Ki signature as a tracer focusing himself trying to align with the target's energy wave.


Gentle Jade eyes studied the beast in his element a few yards away. similar to Zero the blonde known as Ten is a creation of science, a enhanced human with telepathic abilities. enabling her to create a telepathic network which allows her and anyone else to communicate through their thoughts. Ten observed Zero in action quietly, this was the fifth location in the past twelve hours that Zero and she has visited where the girl has been last sited by their radar. initially it started out as a search through out the entire Asian sector but after some refining the telepathic whiz was able to localize the search to southern Asia.


The girl has been transporting herself across the region every hour, because of the child's fast movement she is expelling considerable amounts of energy to complete the task which in the end will tire the young girl very quickly if it already hasn't from instrument read outs aboard the airship it seems that the child next teleport could be her last before she's able to attempt another. so right now time is of the essence.


"We are drawing closer to her, it'll only be a matter of time before we locate the child" Ten said without moving her lips using her always active telepathic link with Zero to convey her thoughts.


"Yes the child's power is diminishing with every teleportation slip she takes I can feel it when she can't sustain the necessary enegry to complete another that's our moment to move"


"Yeah well that time better be soon furball because this is fucking boring" the both tried to ignore the annoying voice of one I-no as the raven haired gear opted to communicate the regular way opening her mouth than her mind. the crimson leather clad gear stood to the side arms folded with no interest whats so every on this investigation by Zero.


"Just relax I-no were almost done here" Ten responded normally in a calm voice.


"This is just ridiculous I don't see how investigating on old site is going to help us in locating the child's next whereabouts this is a waste of motherfucking time" a deep growl came from Zero directing it straight to I-no as crimson eye narrowed down on the female guitar wielding gear.


"Watch it there, I have no problem bringing down Lassie of there Ten" I-no said with a cocky grin on lips.


"I-no refrain yourself from such course of action" the deep voice of Raven suddenly interrupted causing the black haired sadist to stand down. "Your complaining will not help us find the young one any faster"


"So standing here watching fido sniffing freaking mud is going to aid us?" I-no shot back at Raven losing her patience with this inquiry.


"My dear I-no if you have an alternative method then by all means inform us if not then I suggest you remain quiet and follow our beloved masters orders" I-no just pouted crossing her arms turning on her heel. Raven smiled as he turned to Ten and Zero addressing both. "You'll have to excuse I-no if she doesn't get to kill or at least break something for the day she gets cranky"


Beauty and the beast remained silent acknowledging Raven with a nod as they turned back to their study, hopefully this would be the last time and the young girl would be in there custody soon.

To Be Continued.

Author's note: I really enjoyed writing this one even though I had to leave out two scenes I'll just add them to the next story. the fighting well be coming soon next chapter definitely. I'm going to try a new setup by posting every 2-3weeks.