Crystal: I hereby dedicate this chapter to Kai and Brian!
Kai: WOO! GO ME! GO, GO, GO M…wait a second…why? And who the HELL is Brian?
Crystal: Because if it wasn't for you and your ideas…this chapter would not be accessible! And if it wasn't for Brian, I wouldn't have any of the chapters for you to make accessible. And as for Brian, you shall soon see…
Kai: I don't like the sound of that very much. But, COOL!
Caylin: Look what you did now…it's all going to his head…
Crystal: eheheh…
Rachel: DISCLAIMER!
Crystal: Of course, would you do the honors, Kitara?
Kitara: Of course, Crystal. Crystal owns nothing but the plot line and the character Mickey. Me, along with everyone else, own our own characters. We do not own any anime what-so-ever.
Crystal: MUSH!
~*~*~
"An assignment, really?" Alethia asked. "You said we wouldn't be getting any of those till we had the whole team" Alethia said.
"Well, it seems that this one only requires a few people. I need to bring a team of three with me" Mickey said, looking around.
"What kind of mission is it?" Rachel asked.
"It's a rescue mission, sorry but information is on a need to know basis, only those going will be briefed."
"Oh, count me out" Caylin said, "I'll be in my room" she said, disappearing down to the chamber hallways.
"I've decided that I will be bringing Kai, Kitara, and Tami today" Mickey said.
"No fair" Alethia and Rachel said in unison. "We wanna go" they both said.
"Don't worry guys, I promise, and I almost never break a promise, that both of you will go next time" Mickey said. "And you three, I suggest you go and get ready. Please, no big things, this is just a group of bandits we are dealing with, not terrorists. Do not get over ready. Meet me in front of my room. We leave in five minutes" she said, turning away and disappearing down another hallway.
The three raced to their rooms, gathering all their things for the trip.
~*~*~
Minutes later, the three stood in front of Mickey's room, waiting. Tami, her throwing knives placed safely around her waist, began to chew on her hair once more. Her fan was also on her waist, and her pencil was in a concealed pocket.
Kitara, her spirit bow placed over her back; her fan and pencil in her never ending pockets, was leaning against the wall casually.
And Kai, his duel Ninjato in their sheaths on his back; his pencil also in his pocket, was standing still, his arms crossed, looking down at the ground. The door opened, and Mickey stepped out. She had on her normal clothes, her black hair tied back in a bun. Across her back was a black sheath, a crimson dragon winding around it. The hilt was black, wrapped up in crimson cloth. She had her fan at her waist, and her pencil must have been concealed somewhere.
In her hand she held a vial and four teeth caps.
"Here" she said, handing a teeth cap to each of them. "Place it on your left, back molar" Mickey instructed. (A/N Sorry, got the idea from Cyborg 009, and that does not belong to me, the teeth idea, either. But, it does something different.) The group did so, and she followed. She hit the molar, sending off a smile, and then, her clothes changed their appearance. She was dressed in an aqua kimono, emerald green dragons embroidered on it. She had a green bow now holding up her hair, and a green chest piece. She was wearing black, dress shoes.
"They change appearance, until you click them again. See, we're not supposed to let people know what we do, this way we can blend in anywhere" Mickey informed. The three clicked their caps, and their clothes changed as well.
Kai was in a swordsmen outfit, with a dark blue top and socks. He had on black sandals. His pants were white; otherwise nothing had changed.
Tami was in a bright yellow kimono decorated in white and pink flowers. The chest piece was white, as was the bow at the top of her braid. She was also in black dress shoes.
Kitara was in a deep violet kimono with black vines and roses embroidered in the fabric. The chest piece was a very dark violet, and her buns as well as other hair had all been put into a single bun, held with a dark violet bow. She, too, had on black dress shoes.
All of their weapons, except Kai's, had been hidden, though they were there. The girls now held their fans, being careful not to trigger anything. They walked into the portal room, five portals on one side of the room. Another appeared, larger then the others, with a place visible on the other side. Kyoto.
"Before we go I'll explain the mission. Kaoru, Yahiko, Megumi, and Misao were captured by a cult calling themselves Shin. Apparently they are remnants of a town that was destroyed during the revolution and want to kill any and all important participants that are still alive as retribution. In an attempt to save their friends Sano and Kenshin agreed to give themselves up in return for the release of the hostages. Upon arriving the cult went back on their word and is now planning to kill all of them. Our mission is this, first we find some of the cult members and allow ourselves to be captured; this is the only way to their base. Next we rescue all of the hostages. From there we split into two groups, group one will help the hostages escape while team two assassinates the cults leader, any questions? Good, now let's go."
Mickey stepped into the portal, followed by Kai, then Kitara, then Tami. They appeared on a road outside of the city; the portal closed and was absorbed into Mickey's pendent.
"Is that what controls the portals?" Kitara asked. Mickey nodded. They walked towards the city, looking around.
"So, what do these guys look like exactly?" Kai asked.
"They are all wearing haori's, like yours, but in sea green" Mickey said. "They also have black masks over their faces" Mickey said. "Speaking of which, did you bring yours?" Mickey asked Kai. He nodded.
"Good, we might just need it" Mickey said, as they entered the small town. The first thing they saw was a group of the bandits they were searching for. They were all just standing around, when one of them caught sight of the group.
"And what would you like?" One of the men asked.
"To know what you're doing" Kitara answered.
"For a woman, you sure speak highly" another one of the men said. The group of bandits laughed.
"Yea, why don't we fix that for you?" One said, whipping out a rope. Kitara looked at Mickey, who shook her head. Kitara growled.
"I'd like to see you try" Kai spoke up stepping between the thugs and his teammates. The men turned.
"Why, is she your woman?" One of the men asked.
"As a matter of fact" Kai began, "They all are."
SMACK!
BOOM!
WATONG!
Kai lay on the ground, twitching, while all three girls stared down at him.
"Can't any of you handle a joke?" He asked, as they glared down at him. He stood, coughing a bit of dirt that he had swallowed.
"Looks like you can't even protect yourself from them" one of the bandits remarked, sending a howl of laughter through the group. Four of the bandits stepped forward, all holding ropes.
Remember
The three turned to look at Mickey, whose voice they had just heard in their heads.
We want to be caught.
They all nodded a bit, turning to face the bandits from the cult. The four warriors took fighting stances although they purposefully made them look sloppy. A short skirmish ensued and in the end all four of them had been 'defeated'. One of the goons viciously smashed Kitara in the head drawing blood. Kai growled but didn't attack. Soon all of them were tied up and gagged in the back of a wagon heading into the woods.
Good job everyone, are you alright Kitara? That's a nasty cut you have.
She nodded
Good, now we should be arriving shortly so be prepared for anything
Suddenly, the car stopped, and the four had to go back into their wiggling fits. Four men carried them off into a cave, down about five sets of stairs, and then through about three doors. They reached a large wooden door, which the men opened. All four were thrown into the room; the men laughed as they closed the door and locked it.
Ok everyone, the others will be in separate rooms somewhere near here. Once we escape we'll split up and search for them
The others nodded. Tami drew one of her hidden throwing knives and cut her ropes. She moved about the room and untied the others as well. "Ok now everyone get against the wall."
They all complied and lined up against the wall with door. Kai was right next to the door on the left side while Mickey was on the opposite side. Mickey shook the door violently for a few seconds drawing the guards' attention.
"Keep it down in there!" the door shook again. "I'm serious!" the door continued to shake. "That's it I'm gonna teach you guys a lesson!" The guard opened the door and walked in…right into Kai's fist. The guard hit the ground hard, knocked unconscious by Kai. Mickey grabbed his keys and they made there way into the hall. It was a long hall with five doors on either side.
"Ok everyone split up and look. Use your normal outfits; these caps only have a limited life span after all. Kai you go retrieve your weapons and meet back up with us." He nodded then took off down the hall, tied on his mask in the process, its long tails reaching his knees.
The others quickly located their targets. Sano, Kenshin, Megumi, Yahiko, and Kaoru were all in the same room; but Misao was no where to be found.
When they entered the room all of the prisoners flinched. Sano looked like he was ready to break someone in half, Kenshin had a calm expression, Yahiko and Kaoru were furious, and Megumi just sat quietly. "Don't be afraid, we're here to help." At Mickey's declaration everyone except Sano relaxed a bit. Tami and Kitara quickly untied and un-gagged them.
Kenshin was the first to speak. "My now wasn't that nice of them, Miss Kaoru?"
"Yes, thank you all, but if I may ask, who are you?"
Tami and Kitara looked to Mickey. "We're friends, that's all you need to know. Now where is Misao?"
Yahiko stepped forward. "We don't know, they came and took her away about an hour ago, we haven't seen her since."
Tami tapped Mickey on the shoulder. "Maybe Kai will find them."
Mickey nodded. "Let's hope so."
~*~*~
It had taken Kai about five minutes to find his weapons along with Kenshin's famous reverse blade sword.
"Think he might need that." Strapping it to his hip he went to join up with the others when a sound caught his attention. It sounded like a whip hitting something.
Curious he decided to check it out. His curiosity led him to a room not too far away, a light coming from between the metal bars in the small window. He peered inside and saw two men, one with a whip and another with a large piece of bamboo, repeatedly striking something. One of the goons moved to the side and Kai caught a glimpse of black hair followed by a face. Misao.
She had quite a few bruises and cuts across her arms and legs, pieces of her clothing were torn and stained with blood. There were few things that angered Kai…but this was one of them.
Using a powerful kick Kai sent the door careening into the guard with the bamboo stick. The other guard stopped in mid swing and looked towards the doorway. Before he could scream or even put up a fight Kai had knocked him unconscious with a blow to the head. Misao looked up at Kai with pained eyes, it was apparent that she had been there for a while. He released he binds careful to not touch any of her wounds.
"You ok?" She looked up at him a nodded but it was obvious that she was in great pain. Kai turned around and offered his back to her. "Get on, I'll carry you," without a word she complied. Kai hooked his arms under her legs and gently made his way out of the room.
~*~*~
Mickey, Tami, and Kitara were pacing impatiently around the jail room. "Where the heck could that hentai be?" asked Tami angrily as she kicked a small stone.
"Yo, sorry it took so long." Everyone jumped and reached for their weapons but lowered them when they saw it was Kai, with an injured Misao on his back.
"What happened?"
Kai carefully laid Misao on the ground. "She was being beaten down the hall. Mickey can you do healing?"
She nodded and knelt by Misao. She placed her hands over her body and started to chant. A white light covered Misao's body and her wounds instantly healed.
Misao coughed a few times then sat up. "Thanks," was all she managed to say.
Sano meanwhile was cowering in the corner. "She's a witch!" Everyone glared at Sano.
"That's right, you're afraid of a camera," said Kai as he smirked.
"Cut it out Kai this isn't the time," Mickey scolded him. "Now, Tami, Kitara, you two go with them and escape, use your abilities, if you have to." They nodded and ushered everyone out. "Let's go Kai, time to get to work." Kai grinned and followed Mickey out the door.
~*~*~
Mickey had donned a mask similar to Kai's, but was much shorter, the tails only reaching her shoulders. They made their way deep into the enemies' base, going deeper and deeper. "Their main chamber should be right up ahead." when they reached said door they stopped and Mickey pulled out the vial from before.
Counting down from three with her fingers she flung open the door when she reached zero and tossed the vial in. A second later the room was filled with gas and coughing as most of the guards inhaled the knockout gas. Only two guards were left along with the leader. He was tall and had your typical bad guy features. A scar marred the left side of his face. He wore spotless battle armor that resembled a Samurai's own uniform.
"Who the hell are you!" He shouted; his faced twisting into a mask of rage.
"Well to put it simply, we're here to kill you, got it?" said Kai in an almost cheerful manner while smirking.
"You would be wise to surrender, we promise to kill you quick if you do" added Mickey.
"You have got to be kidding me! Get them!" he shouted to his two remaining guards.
Mickey drew her katana, and looked back at Kai, both his Ninjato drawn.
"Let's go" she said, and they ran through the door.
~*~*~
"My power is low, we'll have to continue on regular speed from here on" Tami whispered as they reached the entrance of the cave. Sun poured down on them, Kitara's cloak now disappearing.
"Run" she said, as they headed into the forest, three Shin after them. Kitara skidded on her feet, turning and pulling out an arrow, attaching it to her bow.
She pulled back the string, the arrow glowing a faint blue. She didn't have much energy since she had kept up the cloak for so long. She shot off the arrow, hitting a tree, and making it fall over two of the Shin. Tami looked behind, seeing a Shin coming up to Kitara. Thinking fast, she drew a throwing knife, aiming directly at the mans' arm.
It wouldn't kill him, but it would hurt him. She threw it, hitting exactly the right spot, making the man howl in pain and fall to the floor clutching his arm. Kitara jogged up next to Tami, and they continued for the brown leaved tree. They could hear more shouts in the distance, and more men entering the forest.
~*~*~
Both guards lay on the ground unconscious.
"Humph, pathetic" said Kai as he rolled the guard at his feet over. They stared at the ceiling with a blank look.
"Time for the main course" Kai turned his attention to the cult leader. He was shaking with rage as he drew his broad sword. It was easily as tall as Mickey and probably weighed a ton. The man didn't say a word, only growled as he charged Kai and Mickey. Both jumped out of the way as the huge blade crashed into the ground tearing up chunks of rock with it. As Mickey landed the man shifter his weight and brought his foot straight into her gut sending her flying into the wall behind her. She grunted when she hit and slumped to the ground. The man laughed cynically as he turned his attention to Kai.
"One down, one to go" he charged at Kai but his massive blade missed, again taking a large chunk of the earth as well. Kai appeared behind the man and drove his fist into his side. A loud wet crack echoed throughout the room. Despite the fact that two of the mans' ribs had just been shattered he showed no signs of pain whatsoever. The man pivoted on his right leg and brought his elbow up to connect with Kai's jaw. Stars exploded in his vision as he flew through the air.
"Hah, is that all you wimps got!" he started laughing manically as he approached the still dazed Kai. Raising his sword he prepared for the final blow but was cut short as Mickey's blade pierced his side.
"Do it now Kai while he's stopped!" Kai shook his head. His vision cleared enough for him to see. Mickey's sword had pierced his side as far as it would go and even with his un-human pain tolerance he was frozen from shock and pain. Kai drew both Ninjato and crossed them in front of his chest. He charged forward and both swords flashed out like lightning. Both of the razor sharp blades severed the mans' neck. His eyes rolled back in his head as he dropped to the ground.
Kai sheathed his swords and held his left hand out in front of his chest, his pinky and ring finger closed with his index and middle finger pointing straight up. He bowed to the man. "You were a worthy foe."
"Enough with the rituals, we have to meet up with the others." Kai nodded and both ran towards the exit.
~*~*~
"Where the hell is this stupid tree?" Tami yelled as she followed the Kenshin group. Kitara was following, hitting down trees with her Spirit Arrows as they heard more men in the distance.
"Wait, remember when we arrived?" Kitara asked, knocking over another tree as she continued to run.
"Yea" Tami replied.
"There was a brown leaved tree there, so turn in that direction" Kitara said. Tami did, heading towards a stream. The road was past that, only a little ways, and the tree sat by the road. Crossing the river, they heard the men split up where they had just been. Flinging three arrows, Kitara blocked all sight of them, and they hurried up to the tree.
~*~*~
Using her powers Mickey was able to transport herself and Kai to the others position but since she had to transport two they were about a quarter mile away from their partners. After a short trek through the woods they found everyone engaged in a fight with at least ten Shin cultists. Sano was busy dealing with three of them while Tami and Kitara handled the rest. The others were watching from a distance, un-armed they could do nothing to help.
Kai removed Kenshin's sword. "Yo Kenshin! Catch!" The red haired warrior turned to Kai and saw his weapon flying through the air. He easily caught it.
"Thanks Kai!" without wasting a second he unsheathed the sword and took out all of the Shin members. Mickey, Tami, Kai, and Kitara were amazed by his speed. Sure they had all seen it but to witness it in person was a totally different story.
"Man. I couldn't hope to match that level of skill yet" Kai remarked as they joined the others
"Don't worry Kai, you'll get your chance" said Mickey.
Coincidently the tree that they all had gathered under had brown leaves. "Well would you look at that" said Sano as he scratched his chin.
"Yeah I thought we'd be lost being led around by woman" Yahiko chided with a grin.
All of the woman, except Mickey and Misao, turned on him. "What was that!" they all shouted.
"I said I thought we'd get lost that clear enough for ya!" Kaoru put Yahiko in a headlock while shouting at him.
Meanwhile Tami, Kitara, Mickey and Kai had gathered.
"Time to go ne?" said Tami a bit disappointedly.
"'Fraid so, we have to make sure the others are ok."
"Wait!" they all turned to see Misao approach Kai. "If you would sir, may I see your face?"
Kai was caught a bit off guard; it was usually him that approached the girls not the other way around. He nodded and un-tied his mask.
She looked at him carefully as if trying to engrave his face into her mind forever then bowed. "I thank you sir. If you had not saved me I would surly have died."
"It's no problem, and call me Kai, sir is too formal."
"Yeah, you shouldn't call a hentai like him sir" said Tami as she thwacked him over the head.
"Who are you people anyways?" asked Kenshin who had decided to join the conversation.
"I guess you could call us guardian angels" Tami smiled.
"Hey, hey, I'm no angel" Kai said. Mickey shook her head, wincing slightly at the cut on the side of her neck from being hurled at the floor.
"Time to go" Mickey said, as she grabbed her pendent, and spun it one way. The portal appeared, and Tami stepped through, followed by Kitara. Kai stepped in, and Mickey followed, just catching a 'thank you' from the group.
~*~*~
"Well, that was exciting" Kitara said as they stepped out of the portal room.
"I suggest we all head to the medical center" Mickey said. "We were all wounded" she said, and before anyone could object, she was walking off down another un-explored hallway.
~*~*~
"So, how was it?" Rachel asked in a monotone voice, still upset that she had not been able to go.
"Exciting" Tami said.
"Where'd you go?" Alethia asked.
"Rurouni Kenshin world!" Kitara and Tami said together.
"Lucky." Alethia and Rachel said together. Kai walked in, a bandage around his arm, his shoulder had been dislocated from the impact but popped back in when he grabbed his swords. He also sported a nice bruise on his jaw.
"Hey Kai" Alethia said, and he nodded, falling onto one of the couches.
"Where's Mickey?" Rachel asked.
"I thought she would be here, she left the infirmary before I did" Kai replied. Rachel began to respond, when Mickey appeared in the room, two people behind her.
"Everyone" she said, causing the team to turn to her. "I'd like you to meet your new teammates."
~*~*~
Crystal: That was good, ne, ne?
Kitara: Yea…even though Kai wrote the chapter…
Crystal: But it was based off of mine T.T
Caylin: At least you fixed the grammar…
Kai: HEY! My grammar is perfectly fine, thank you very much…
Crystal: No it's not, do you know how many periods I had to put in this…
Kai: *mumbles*
Crystal: I CAN HEAR YOU
Kai: Sure you can
Crystal: I can
Kai: Yep…
Crystal: I MEAN IT
Kai: Sure you can
Crystal: I can
Kai: Nope
Crystal: Yep
Kai: Nope
Crystal: Yep
Kai: Nope
Rachel : WILL YOU BOTH SHUT UP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU'RE DRIVING ALL OF US INSANE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Both: *cower*
Rachel: *cough* *cough* Thank you
Crystal: Um…right…see ya… .