Ok…this is boring…doing this thing once a month is not all that great. I have more time than I thought I would. Well anyway, I have a new chapter up so enjoy. R&R!

t3h 1337 squ4d: Haku will get nicer soon don't worry. I mean he's already nice deep down, but if i make him any nicer now it'll mess up my story...plus im planning on him getting meaner later on...but then he and Chihiro make up(heehee)...oops, i just told you what was going to happen! darn!

Disclaimer: Sorry don't own it…although I do have it on VHS.

"Take care of yourselves ok?" Nathalia said to the group of warriors who helped save the ship. "Especially you, Chihiro. A human is a rare sight indeed. People in this world don't usually treat them with kindness. Watch your back ok?"

"I will." Chihiro promised. She smiled brightly as ever, even after her thoughts had circled around her parents-and Haku.

"Before you go, I'd like to know where you guys are headed. Since you guys can't get to Bane City, you're obviously headed in another direction." Nathalia asked.

Rio turned his head towards her and answered, "We're still going to Bane City."

"Won't you need a ship to take you? I'd be happy to give you a ride as soon as repairs are done. Free of charge, too." Nathalia offered.

"I have been thinking it over for some time now and I remembered that this island has a special means of transportation that we can use." Rio said.

"Thanks for the offer, though." Kuja said, as he stepped up closer to Nathalia, slowly closing the gap between them. "Maybe we'll see ya again soon…" Rio smacked the back of Kuja's head yet again.

"Come on Kuja." Rio said as he grabbed his arm and started to drag him away.

"What? I was just being nice! I wasn't doing anything wrong!" Kuja complained as he was dragged farther away.

"Hey Nathalia," Haku started, as she turned her head to him, "Do you know anything about Baba?"

Nathalia smirked and nodded. "In his nest my friend. Tis' it's nature..."

"So have there been anymore killings?" Haku asked.

"Nope. But there's been some trouble. It's not just the snake. It's the legendary treasure it guards. Many have tried fighting against the beast to get it but failed. Of course I don't believe that. It's just a pile of rumors. The only thing for sure is that that witch is after the prize…whatever it may be."

"How do you know so much?"

"My sister is after this myth called the "Golden Seal". Foolish girl…thinking she will find a great treasure. Even if there was a treasure, it wouldn't be gold or jewels, it would be something else."

"We'll find out more while we're here won't we?" Haku asked.

"You surely will. My sister is here by the way. She's collecting information on it so this should be a good spot to dig up some dirt. Well, Good day young dragon." Nathalia smiled. She knew a lot more then anticipated. But, being someone with many connections, this was to be expected.

"Young Dragon? Not yet…unfortunately. I'm not that skilled just yet." Haku bowed his a head and walked off. Nathalia watched them as they entered the bustling crowd at the docks.

As the group stayed close in the bustling hawkers and customers, they found their way to the center of the city. This is where Rio was desperate to go.

He knew of a lab that had certain capabilities. He knew this is where they had to go. Unfortunately, Kuja had some other plans.

Kuja took one last shot of poison. He savored every last drop of alcohol his tongue could take. He drank without any sign of remorse, as he sat there in front of the bartender.

Haku looked over at him in disgust as he leaned on the counter. "That's not very healthy Kuja…" he said.

"Come on, don't be such a stiff. This can really get you going you know…mm."

"Yeah, going to hell." Haku sat down and finally ordered something.

"I'll have some water." Haku said.

"You have got to be kidding me! You need to have more fun in your life Haku!" Kuja said, but Haku continued to sip his water without the slightest attention to his friend.

Kuja became a little frustrated and let out something he shouldn't have.

"Why don't you just let it go already? I mean how bad was your dad really?"

Haku glared at Kuja. The boy guessed right. It was his father, not his mother.

"My father…hmph…I never even had one…All I had was myself." Haku shut his eyes as he took in more of the drink.

"Look, I'm sorry man. It's just that you won't tell me anything. How am I supposed to help you if I don't even know what's going on?"

Haku stood up and started to walk out the door of the bar.

"Wait Haku! We're supposed to wait here for them!" Kuja got up from his chair and started to follow him. Rio and Chihiro were supposed to come back to the bar after researching to get Kuja and Haku. It wouldn't have been too good if they left.

As Haku reached his hand out to push the door, a woman swung it open.

She was tall, had long brown hair that passed her butt, and had dark brown eyes. She was wearing a jet-black kimono top with tight pants to match. Strapped to both legs were a sword and a gun. She also had several other fighting instruments on her belt.

She was prepared for any type of attack. She was loaded and dangerous. She had trouble written all over her face.

Haku paid no attention to what he saw and just continued walking. Kuja, however, couldn't take his eyes off her.

"Hey haven't I seen you before?" Kuja flirted.

The woman stopped her slow stride to look at him. Her eyes searched his face and then she spoke out in a low tone.

"I don't associate with specs like you." Kuja was taken aback a bit by her crude answer. He looked harder at her face and realized that he had seen her face before, or at least a look-alike.

"I'm serious. You look really familiar…" Kuja couldn't take his eyes off for even a second. They were glued tight on her.

"Well then you're probably thinking of some one else then." The woman said, scowling at him for giving her strange looks.

Haku paused for a moment to look back at the woman.

I think I know that face…Haku thought.

Haku then walked up to her.

"Excuse me. Would you happen to know a Nathalia Viva?" Haku asked.

The woman turned her attention towards Haku.

"That's it!" Kuja exclaimed. "Are you like her twin because you look so much alike!"

The woman was taken aback for a second but then answered.

"I am her younger sister, Rin. You...know her?"

Haku nodded. "Yes, we were on her ship. She was headed for Bane City but a Leviathan damaged the ship so she had to dock here."

"Indeed." She answered.

"My name is Haku. I was wondering, would you happen to know anything about the snake, Baba?" Haku asked.

"What? Are you after the Golden Seal?" Rin then bit her lip thinking she said too much.

To her relief Haku said no and assured her he was only interested in killing the beast.

"Well, as long as you're not after my treasure…I guess I can help out a bit. But first I want something in return…" She said, slyly.

Haku sighed, as Kuja kept staring down Rin.

"Very well then. Name your price."

"Actually, you're not going to lose much from this deal. I want you to destroy the monster for me and give me the Golden Seal. I also want help along the way. The monsters in the ruins are dangerous so I may need some help." Rin smirked and waited for Haku's answer.

This is too perfect...Rin thought. They do all the work, I get my treasure, and I don't even have to tell them about that other thing...hmm, hope they don't find out.

"It's Rin right?" Haku asked.

She nodded slowly. Haku then put his hand out to seal the deal.

"Well, then Rin, you've got yourself a deal." They shook hands.

Kuja was still staring. This one is even prettier than that captain lady...Rin...sigh...what a beautiful name... Kuja thought, as a tiny spec of drool escaped his lower lip.

Rin moved her eyes and saw the zombie-like creature still staring. She got a little annoyed by him.

"Hey Haku, is he yours?" Rin wanted to pummel the guy's head but held her control.

Haku noticed him and let out a grunt. "Come on Kuja. Let's go find the others."

"Why would we do that?" Kuja asked, as if he had not been absorbed totally by Rin.

"They're coming right now."

Haku looked around and then finally spotted them. "Oh. Then in that case…Rin, what do you know about Baba?"

"Well, if you really want to know…its real name is 'No Face'. Yubaba, however, altered his body during the summoning. He is now a brainless snake that cannot feel anything but hatred." Rin sighed for a moment but then continued.

"He was a lonely, gentle creature I hear. It is irreversible, though; so do not waste your sympathy. 'No Face' is dead now and that's a fact."

Haku took in the information and then replied. "Now it all makes sense. Have you any idea how to kill it?"

"No. That's something I journeyed here for. The Bubble Island Observatory is so high tech, that it's almost as good as Bane City. They have weapons to kill as well as good, accurate information. Bane City has tight security though, so this was my only choice." Rin answered.

Haku nodded as Chihiro and Rio came in. As soon as introductions went by, and they all reviewed what they knew about Baba, it was time to get started on getting to those ruins.

"Hey Rio, what type of transportation are we getting for Bane City? I know we not taking a ship there, so how else can we get there?"

Rio grinned. "You'll see."

Important note: Chapters 1-8 are edited so you might wanna check them out. (especially "the attacker" and "family") You might get lost later on in the story if ya don't take a peek at them.

Well, plz R&R. I hated it when i only got one review. it hurt my feelings...(crys) well, anyway, hope you like this chapter see ya!