Kill Bill: Prequel Volume 1

by Bloody Satisfaction

Have you ever wondered how the relationships in Kill Bill Vol1&2 became to be? How did it all start? This story is an indepth look, for TRUE KB fans. This is a prequel to help answer the questions that have been plaguing everyone.

8. Jun Lo Zhao

Chapter 8: Jun Lo Zhao

Vernita hadn't seen it coming.

She'd just come home. Her house, like most of the other members of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, wasn't too far from Bill's. She wasn't too hot about Mexico. But it was the best place to run under the law. Her house was small, but it was hers and that's what really mattered.

It had happened like this: She had just come home; her keys were still in her hand when a strong arm had leapt out of the small coat closet next to her front door. Vernita was a trained killer, but this had shocked the hell out of her. The black clad arm wrapped itself around her neck like a boa constrictor. She flailed blindly. Whoever this fucker was, he (or she) knew their shit. If she had been a normal woman, she'd probably never would have made it. But this was Copperhead.

Arching her back, Vernita kicked back as hard as she possibly could. Her foot burst through the cheap door skin wood. It contacted just enough to cause her captor to loosen their grip a tad. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Vernita slipped her neck out of her captor's grip. Taking hold of the arm she yanked revealing the rest of the intruder's body as it crashed through the door. But this person, whom was most definitely a woman, knew her shit as well. The black clad woman rolled out deftly into a crouching stance.

"Bitch." Vernita uttered her usual profane comment. With lighting quickness she grabbed a knife off of the knife block that was sitting on the counter. Once Vernita had a knife in her hand, the game was all heirs. The ninja looking woman was now up in a fighting stance. Vernita wasted no time; she lashed out in a series of deadly slashes. The ninja woman dodged them all. Undaunted, Vernita upped the pace. She knew she was faster and more accurate than this woman could avoid. Her next series of slashes proved to be far more effective. She caught the woman on the forearm. This hurt like hell and would, at the very least, deter the average fighter. Oddly enough, the ninja woman had revealed no weapon of her own. She simply continued to dodge. Now, after Vernita had connected with two other slashes, the woman was beginning to slow down.

The lights had remained entirely off this entire time.

Vernita smiled viciously, "Your bleedin' good there. Not much left in ya..." With that she jabbed out catching the other woman in the gut. The woman clawed at the knife hilt and stumbled backwards. "Fucking pathetic!" Vernita changed the grip on her knife.

Instead of trying to save what was left of her short life, the ninja woman, began to pull a note from her breast pocket. Vernita stood up straight. What the hell was this? Finally, the other woman managed to get the note out and she held it out to Vernita with a shaky hand. Vernita snatched the note. It was on parchment and written in a very florid manner that only a female could really pull off. It was also written in some sort of bizarre verse.

Bill,

So sorry I couldn't give this to you directly. But it appears you are a hard man to find. Had to find one of your bitches instead. I know you will get it. I will find them all soon enough. You will show soon. After they are all gone.

Jun Lo Zhao

Looking up from the note, Vernita pulled the knife out of the woman's chest. Her mask was gone, revealing a young attractive Chinese woman. She was smiling. "Fuck you bitch!" Vernita plunged the knife right between her eyes.

Not but two hours after Vernita's incident was everyone called for a meeting, and that meant everyone. In the living room of Bill's abode sat all five of the Deadly Viper Assassination Squad, including Bill. Sitting on the right side of the couch was Cottonmouth, in the middle sat Copperhead, and on the other side was Black Mamba. Across from the couch on a wooden rocking chair was Sidewinder and to his left sat California Mountain Snake on an over stuffed love seat. In the midst of the gathered snakes was the Snake Charmer, settled in a chair of his own.

In the middle of the living room was that coffee table. Lying on the coffee table was that piece of parchment that was so rudely delivered to them. All eyes were focused on the note as if it were a deadly predator ready to strike out. The note had just been read a loud; everyone was left to digest the threat for a few minutes.

Bill aka the Snake Charmer sat silently the entire time, looking troubled. His frown was deeper than usual and he kept toying with the handle of his Hanzo sword as if he really wanted to use it right then and there. Elle aka California Mountain Snake, for the first time in a long time, didn't look pissed off instead she just looked shocked. Her eye kept darting around the room. It was quite something to have their type threatened by an outside force it was always the other way around. Beatrix was sitting on the side of the couch, her legs had moved to tuck beneath her and arms crossed over her chest. Her expression was hard and held a large amount of displeasure. O-Ren, sitting next to Beatrix held a calmer facade than the blonde. Though her brown eyes flickered with untold fury. Budd, who would usually be rocking back and forth in the rocking chair, making annoying squeaking noises had resisted. He held a mixed expression towards the situation. Bill let the silence drag on for a few minutes, and then he spoke up. "Obviously, this needs some explanation."

Vernita hid a 'well no shit' expression by leaning her chin on a large couch pillow.

Bill plowed on, his voice dark, "The woman who wrote this note, Jun Lo Zhao, is the current leader of a Hong Kong organization much like our own. You could say they are something of the Chinese equivalent of us. They are comprised mostly of women and like to call themselves Tiger's Claw. Kinda lame name if you ask me. Anyways....Jun and I go way back....we...were....er...acquaintances at one point for a short time. At that time she was a very young and very deadly assassin in their ranks. Over the years, due to her methodical and often brutal nature, she rose quickly in their ranks to achieve the position she has today. We did not part on great terms, but always remained cordial. At some point Jun decided that she didn't like what I had going on here....she vowed she was going to kill me. Well, of course, I laughed in her face. Apparently," Bill leaned back, "....that wasn't the wisest choice I've ever made. But I had no idea she would go this far. It appears power has really gotten to her." He fell silent for a moment, looking tired. "She runs a nasty organization. One of us alone wouldn't stand a chance against what she has to offer. I'm afraid," Bill looked slightly reluctant, "We are all going to have to go in on this one." Bill hated to do this as it was extremely dangerous to his organization. They could all be wiped out in one foul sweep. "This is not about money," his eyes burned black death into the parchment; "It's about honor."

All five took in Bill's words as if savoring them and knowing full well what had to be done. Everyone cared about the squad in their own twisted way, it was their job, and when something happened that threatened all of them it couldn't be taken more seriously. Everyone seemed to have turned quiet after Bill's set of words. It seemed fitting for Budd to break the silence. Tongue flicked out to lick his lips before speaking, his tone very civilized and almost normal, "Well, Bill, I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say let's get that mother-fuckin' bitch and teach her that she don't mess with the deadly vipers." Bill smiled at Budd's words, but it was a little forced. He, like the rest, was extremely bothered by this threat but it was more than that, it was personal.

He stood, "Ok...I want everybody back here in three hours. Get your best equipment. We are going up against some serious professionals." He didn't need to tell them that they were just as serious and just as professional. "We are going private plane this time....so fuck security...bring everything you can. You know the rest." Bill was never one for useless pep talks. He trusted those who worked for him....he needn't waste the breath.

Elle lingered for a moment, but quickly marched out the front door. She looked eager for a fight. Then again, what else was new? Vernita gave one of her vicious smiles and left almost gleefully. After all, she had already had a taste of it. Bill sat down at the bar, his back turned to those leaving. He could hear cars squealing out of the driveway. Leaning on the counter, he placed his hands over his face in thought. Obviously, Bill was more than a little concerned. O-Ren took off shortly after Vernita. She was just as pissed off and blood thirsty as the rest of them she was just hiding it a hell of a lot better. Budd lingered in his rocking chair a moment as if in deep though. He than blinked, tipped his head to Beatrix, and rose to leave.

Black Mamba aka Beatrix Kiddo was the last one to depart. Whether it was intended or not she was the last one there. No one seemed to know Bill better than Kiddo and at that moment she felt a high tingling of concern (for him) coursing through her veins. Her steps were slow but stopped when she came up behind Bill. Blue eyes watched his turn formed, her hearing perked to take in the sounds of his breathing. Stealthy but just as elegantly Beatrix pressed her body up against his back, her arms lacing around his shoulders, it was close to an embrace as one could get. She leaned her chin on his shoulder, pink shaded lips lingering near his ear. She whispered, "Everything's gonna be all right, Bill. We'll take care of it." Her head turned and Beatrix placed a 'sweet' kiss on his cheek. As quickly as her caring side had surfaced it dissipated and she was off of him, down the hall way, and out the door.

Bill had heard Beatrix come up behind him, but he hadn't expected to suddenly feel her body draped against his back. He shut his eyes, soaking up the sensation...glad that she couldn't see his face. But it was a short moment and after her comforting yet confident words and a small kiss she was gone. He didn't turn around. In fact he sat like that for sometime listening to the soft night breeze rush through the open shades. Finally, Bill stood up. There was far too much to be done to be sitting around. He had to arrange quite a bit actually. While not very exciting, that was part of his job. He picked his Hanzo sword off of the stand. Pulling it out of the sheath, he swung it causally yet expertly. "Jun, for the last time in your life, you just fucked with the wrong man," he murmured, catching his own intense reflection in the blade.

Three hours passed like minutes. Bill was on the phone the majority of the time. He had to have Nikishi pack for him. He prattled on in Chinese into his cell phone, pacing up and down the front patio. The morning sun was just rising. Gradually all of the Vipers showed up. They all knew not to be late, even Elle didn't make that mistake. Finally, they all stood in front of him. Dressed to kill, just the right amount of luggage in hand. Swords, guns and knifes glistened in the intense rising sun. Bill faced them, dressed in an entirely black suit, his hair tied back. There was a mid-sized private plane sitting a few hundred feet away. For missions like this they employed the piloting skills of man named Miax an ex-Californian turned drug runner. Max could be seen near the plane, long blonde hair and Hawaiian shirt flapping in the wind. Bill looked as if he was going to say something, but instead put on his sunglasses. Hefting his bag he began marching towards the plane, knowing that his Viper's would follow.

The plane ride was long. No one counted the precise hours it was taking but it felt like double the time due to the high tension in the air. The plane itself was rather luxurious. Large leather passenger seats that reclined, television, and a liquor bar. Everyone was on their best behavior during the flight. Budd was seated more towards the front of the plane, reclining back, his head tilted up to watch the television. There was some cowboy rodeo on that was keeping his attention. O-Ren was resting more towards the middle section of plane. Her chair was upright, a ceramic cup of tea was being held elegantly within her fingertips. Her head was tilted to the outside window to watch the sky pass by, her thoughts obviously not on the plane.

In the rear, very back of the plane was Beatrix where she was seated far, far away from Elle. Any attempts of being civil with the woman would just cause another uproar and Bea knew that had death written all over it. Bea had recently finished loading up a few of her fire arms and trusty 9mm and now planned on taking a nap for the remainder of the flight. She reclined back, feet up, head nestled in the back cushion; comfortably, closed her eyes, and proceeded to try and dose off.

It would take at least around 12 hours to reach their destination. At least they were traveling in style but that didn't always make things any easier. Elle spent a good three hours applying fingernail polish to her toenails. She had commandeered an entire row of seats to lie across. Of course, this was near the front of the plane away from Beatrix. She had a martini in one hand and the polish in another. She'd slowly and methodically apply the polish and then make frustrated sounds when small dips of turbulence messed her up then she would start over again.

Verninta meanwhile, was seated near O-Ren. She spent most of the time with her nose buried in Steven King's The Tommyknockers. She stayed relatively quiet.

Bill had been up in the cockpit for at least two hours. He and Max had always gotten along well. They would swap drug stories and talk about 'the good old days" as if those days were long, long gone. Bouts of their laughter could be heard through the cockpit door. Finally, Bill emerged drink in hand and began to make the rounds. Chatting with Max and a handful of drinks had apparently loosened him up somewhat.

He took his time, lounging over chairs, teasing Elle, telling Vernita in detail how the movie version of The Tommyknockers really sucked! He had a short quiet conversation with O-Ren and avoided Budd completely. This was probably out of habit more than anything. Finally, he plopped down in a seat besides Beatrix. She looked as if she was attempting to sleep and Bill knew quiet well enough not to bug her. Instead, he unfolded the New York Times that had been under his arm and went to scrutinizing the annoying long stock listings.

Beatrix tended to sleep with one eye open. She heard the soft rustling of paper beside her and shifted her position in the chair, her back no longer turned to Bill. Lids opened half way in a sleepy gesture; blue hues stared up at him. Her expression was relatively calm with a mixture of evident grogginess. She hadn't acquired much sleep at all but a five minute power nap did her well enough

Budd was starting to get bored with the television and flicked it off. He glanced over his shoulder to see where everyone was seated before getting up. He stretched arms over his head to loosen his muscles. He than casually strolled in Elle's direction. He raised a thick brow at her. "Do ya really think people are gonna be lookin' at your feet during all this?" He said, his tone laced with sarcasm and friendly under tones.

"You look better," Beatrix noted quietly referring to his appearance now and his appearance earlier. Bill turned a page, still focused on the paper, "Hrm..yes well....don't expect much more forward improvement in that area." Beatrix gave a tight nod to his reply. She wasn't expecting to get much from him to begin with. So, with that she rolled back on to her side, her back to Bill. "Wake me when we get there," she instructed lightly before closing her eyes and attempting further slumber.

Elle meanwhile looked up at Budd, "No Budd....not really...." She waved the polish applicator as if it were some sort of magic wand. "You see," she sat up, crossing her long legs, "It's about feeling sexy underneath." She smirked. relishing the moment, "If I feel that not only am I looking good to the world, but also looking good to what the world can't see...." she wiggled her red tipped toes for emphasis, "....then I'm going to be that much more confident." She eyed him, "I know that's a very, very tough concept for you to grasp Budd but think of it this way, that women's underwear your wearing, it only enhances your already innate attractiveness and inner confidence." She raised an eyebrow, "See what I mean?" Elle was chalk full of bizarre theories not to mention a shitload of unnecessary sarcasm.

Budd had been watching Elle's whole explanation with much enthusiasm and curiosity. Both brows rose and he rubbed at the back of his neck idly. "Well, shit, Elle. I never thought of it that way." He gave a brief chuckle, hands falling down to the belt of his jeans. He put on a dashingly coy smile. "And how the hell do you know what kinda underwear I'm wearing? I think that is a load of bullshit." He huffed his chest out in a masculine manner. "But, if you really wanted to see what kinda under wear I'm wearing- -" He trailed off, hands beginning to work on his belt buckle.

At this percise moment O-Ren Ishii was traveling past them. She fumbled with the tea cup in grasp. "Please, Budd, keep your clothing on," she stated waving a hand at him. "We can only endure so much." Budd scowled and tightened the loop back up. "Ruin all my fun, why don't ya." From behind her book Vernita let out a small snort. She'd been watching the little exchange between Elle and Budd and was finding it extremely amusing.

Elle broke out into a devious cackle when Budd had attempted to de-pants himself. She began laughing even louder at O-Ren's commentary. "Yeah, O- Ren's right Budd, keep 'em on baby.....And as far as you're knowing your choice of underwear...." she leaned towards him, whispering dramatically, "I have my ways." She winked her one eye at him, and then broke out into a fit of laughter again. Apparently, Elle had already had a few martinis. In the back, Bill scowled, turning a newspaper page in an annoyed manner. But he said nothing. Vernita looked over her book at Budd, "I dunno Budd, you seem pretty antsy to get your pants off. Is it mating season again?" She made a long howling sound.

Elle laughed louder. Bill grumbled, glancing over at Beatrix who appeared to be asleep. Lucky her. He went back to his paper with a scowl.

"Hmmm," Elle rubbed her chin, "Bet we could find Budd some real nasty hookers in Hong Kong eh?"

Vernita grinned, "Oh most definitely! All of them well under 18. Right up your ally Budd!" Vernita and Elle both laughed. Bill crumpled his paper up violently, throwing it onto the floor. "Jesus Christ." he mumbled. Reaching for a nearby blanket, he threw it over his face.

Budd wasn't laughing as loudly or as dramatically as the woman were. He was quite exasperated by this. He huffed a breath of air, his hands slipping to this pants pockets. "You're all just saying that because you only wish you could get some of this." He pointed a finger to his chest for dramatic effect. A low giggle came from the Chinese-Jap. "Of course, that's what we all are thinking. Right girls?" She received a nod from both Elle and Vernita. O-Ren grinned wide, as amused as she was she kept her all out calm facade. "I'm sure even Kiddo wants some of that manliness you have Budd."

"Fuck you, O-Ren," came Beatrix's highly annoyed tone from the back of the plane. Obviously she hadn't been asleep; she had been attempting to sleep. There high pitched laughter had caused some disturbance to this process.

O-Ren's grin grew wider. "See what I mean." There was a snort from the large blanketed lump formerly known as Bill. Vernita put her hands on her hips, "What can we say Budd, your sex on two legs." Elle continued to laugh, obviously finding all of this highly amusing. "Irresistible." she added with a flip of her blonde hair, taking another large sip from her martini glass.

"Oh come on Budd," Vernita punched him playfully in the arm, "Don't look so bummed, you know you love it. Poor baby, you get to fly around the world, killing people, constantly surrounded by beautiful women."

Budd knew this was all in good fun and decided to loose the disgruntled appearance and play a long. He settled his on the rim of his jeans, thumbs looping through the belt, in a haughty manner. He put on a lop-sided smile. "Yeah, well--"

"Believe me, it's highly overrated," Bill's muffled grumpy voice replied from under the blanket. Elle laughed again. Vernita just rolled her eyes and returned to her book with a sneer. Bud's brown eyes darted between the three that were gathered with speculation, disregarding Bill. "Hell, I haven't gotten around to fucking any of you gals." He turned to Vernita. "Vernita, hell no. O-Ren? Possibility but I highly doubt it. Elle? I think I'd be a tad scared for my packages condition." He paused. "Beatrix-- hmm..."

Elle's eye opened widely. It appeared she wasn't sure if she wanted to laugh at this or jump up and kick Budd's ass. "Yeah," she hissed, "You'd better be scared for it anyways...." She made a vicious little squashing gesture with her hand. "Oops!"

Vernita gave Budd a saucy little smile. "I don't do honky's anyways...."

Elle started laughing again.

"Some people are trying to sleep," Bea replied, her tone growing more irritated. She had pulled the covers up and over her head. If one was to walk by it'd be hard to figure out who was huddled under which blanket. "I'm gonna take that as a yes, huh, Bea?" Budd chuckled in a darker fashion. "Will you bunch grow the fuck up." the Bill lumped blanket snarled. "I swear, sometimes," he mumbled.

Elle gave a sweet smile, "Better not even think about Bea there Budd." she covered the side of her mouth, "I think she's already spoken for," this in a not-so-soft whisper. She raised her eyebrows at Budd giving him a knowing look. "Unless you and your brother do sharesies." Elle had never spoken up like this in front of Bill obviously she had had too much to drink. Budd had been recovering from the squashing gesture a few seconds earlier when Elle spoke in that not so low whisper. He shook his head slowly. "Nah, Bill isn't the sharing type," he stated lightly but matter-of-factly.

O-Ren kept her mouth shut on this subject. She nestled down beside Vernita and gave her a glance, her eyes giving off the words 'not again.'

Beatrix had been trying desperately hard to keep her cool especially with Elle's zingers. But, what she just blurted out, and the plane not being all that big it was easy for Bea to hear her as well as the others. She rolled over and pulled the covers down, she was now facing the lump of covers beside her. She reached over and tugged on the edge, perhaps a little too roughly to reveal Bill's face. Intense blue eyes stared at him. "Bill, do me the courtesy of holding me down because if you don't I may accidentally kill that bitch," she hissed softly between firm set teeth. Bill stared back at Beatrix from under the blanket. He looked irritated. No wonder. "I'm afraid," he mumbled, "If I held you down right now it would be wildly misinterpreted as foreplay."

The front of the cabin had fallen into a dense and awkward silence. Elle was the only one who looked ready to continue this line of conversation probably because she was a little more than tipsy. She sneered, "Hah, well if that's the case-"

"Elle," Vernita hissed in-between her clenched teeth, "Enough." She quickly flipped her book back in her face. Elle looked to O-Ren but the Asian woman had turned as cold as a blizzard. Elle then looked at Budd, who again, looked mopey and utterly silent. "Well...fuck," she fell back into her seat, "...bunch of pussies...." She stared angrily out the window with one blazing blue eye.

Beatrix rolled back to face the window. She hastily pulled the covers back up to hug at her shoulders. Bill had a point but that didn't put out the fire in her eyes. She curled her legs up to her chest and huddled up in the blanket, in a protective ball. Mostly done to make sure she didn't accidentally get up. She tucked her chin down and proceeded to get back to the more than difficult task of sleeping.

The cabin as silent as it had turned Budd had just as silently returned to his seat. He flipped the television back on and managed to get himself lost in raunchy action flickering across the screen.

O-Ren, still seated next to Vernita went back to her casual staring out the window. It would be hard for one to tell that she was rather relieved that there was silence following the duration of the flight.

After what seemed like an eternity the tense group of Viper's landed at the bustling Hong Kong airport. It was easy to get lost in the crowd there, and "their type" hardly stood out. Because they were a private plane, they could skip all of the post flight bullshit. Due to a number of factors, Bill was not in a great mood. He gruffly hustled everybody off the plane. They had to at least make an attempt to hide their multitude of weapons for the moment.

A private car, a limo actually, was waiting for them at the greeting area. A young kid waited for them, holding a large sign, with BILL AND CO. scrawled on the front. "Traveling in style," Vernita grinned, looking rather glamorous in her black cat suit and glasses. Bill hadn't said much, he nodded to the kid and they were all bustled into the limo. As if being in a plane wasn't tight enough the limo, while spacious, tested the already pent up tension. Luckily the ride was rather short and they were dropped off at an elegant looking hotel. Not the best in Hong Kong (that was far too obvious to Jun and her assassins) but nice nonetheless.

Bill checked into the front desk and then motioned for them to follow him into the chrome and carpet elevator. The doors opened up at the eighth floor. Once inside the hallway, Bill turned on the group, frowning deeply. "Alright, I'm sick and tired of all of this bullshit. We are going to handle this like the professionals we are. I couldn't exactly book the whole wing. So, Budd and I share a room. You ladies divide the other two amongst yourselves," he tossed O-Ren two sets of keys, "And if I hear any sort of bickering." He looked nasty, "You will all regret it." With that he opened the door to his left, Budd following. There was a loud slam of the door.

Elle dropped her bag, "God," she drawled, "What the fuck is Bill's problem?" Beatrix was tempted to make a snide remark at Elle but she caught Vernita's look and stopped herself. She casually leaned up against the wall, one foot bent as the sole of her boot pressed against the cheap looking wall paper. Hands slipped to the pockets of her black jeans. Blue eyes darted between the group. Vernita pressed her lips together, "Well, alright let's divide up here ladies."

"Obviously, we can't put the two blonde bitches together," O-Ren stated in the most friendly tone she could manage. Her hand came up to tuck a strand of her short raven locks behind her ear. "I'll pair up with Elle. Vernita you can bunk with Beatrix." She tossed Bea the second key which she swiftly caught in midair. "Works for me." Beatrix pushed off the wall. "Come on Vernita. Let's go unpack."

Thank god for O-Ren, Vernita thought to herself as she followed Beatrix to their room. Once inside, she threw her large duffel on her bed and began to unpack. Amongst her clothes, her luggage consisted of a large variety of nasty looking knifes. "Man, I tell ya Bea," she spoke as she unpacked, "I thought that fucking plane ride would never end. I can see why Bill doesn't put us all together that often." She held up a slinky dark red skirt. "Hrm...and Elle needs to never drink again. God, she was annoying." She began to dig back into her suitcase, removing a long sheathed dueling knife. A small bloodthirsty smile crept onto her lips.

The first thing Elle did was go reapply her lipstick in the bathroom mirror. She began humming, totally listless to any sort of former hostility. She meandered back into the room watching O-Ren. She didn't bother unpacking yet she flopped onto her bed. Lacing her hands across her chest, she stared up at the ceiling with her eye and continued humming.

Bill, thus far, hadn't said a word to Budd. He swiftly unpacked and began polishing the scabbard of his sword, sitting on the edge of the bed. His expression was completely unreadable. But, it was safe to say he was greatly relieved to be separated from any female persona for the moment.

Beatrix was on the opposite side of the room, her suitcase and duffle bag zipped open for her to rummage through. She removed an appealing and rather threatening looking dagger and waved it in Vernita's direction. "Elle is always annoying, drinking just exaggerates it," she clarified gently before slipping the blade into the holster strapped to her thigh. Hands dug back into the suitcase and she pulled out an ordinary black thick strap tank top. "How have you been Vernita? We don't exactly get the time to chit chat." All of this was stated in a friendly tone as she worked her current top off and proceeded to put on the tank.

The humming would have been annoying to any of the other vipers but O-Ren wasn't. Or she didn't give any signs to it. She was busy unpacking her special assortment of fire arms. She glanced over her shoulder at the woman on the bed; a flicker of disgust crossed her features before settling and turning back to her duties.

Budd went straight to unpacking. He was tempted to go to the liquor bar but kept himself leveled for the sake of not getting lashed by his brother, who appeared in a rather bad mood, worse than usual. He turned to Bill and watched him with a raised brow of curiosity as he loaded a revolver.

Verntia gave Beatrix a friendly nod, "No we don't...." Bea and Vernita, out of all of the female Viper's were probably the closest. They had had some good times together. Vernita shrugged, turning back to her suitcase, "I've been alright...ya know, same old, same old..." she emphasized this with the unsheathing of another large knife, "I survive. What about you Bea?" There was no mistaking the slightest bit of concern in her voice as she said this. Even Vernita, who had been gone quite a bit the last few months, was not unaware of some of things that had been said about Beatrix.

"I'm gunna go get some ice!" Elle jumped off of her bed, disappearing into the hallway to find the nearest ice machine. She returned a few minutes later, with a large bucket of ice under her arm. She began tossing the cubes in her mouth and crunching away loudly watching O-Ren continue her unpacking. She appeared to be in an extremely good mood which as actually kinda scary.

There was always this certain way Bill moved about and did things, always in this somewhat sadistic, haughty and dangerous manner. As if you were watching him, it was by his privilege alone that you still remained alive. When he was angry, this Bill-esque aura only intensified to frightening proportions. He had finished polishing the scabbard of his sword for now, and was currently working on a set of small revolvers. He seemed as oblivious and acutely aware as always. "Budd," he mumbled, "if you think looking at me it's going to illicit some sort of reaction, forget it. The bar is calling your name."

Black tank top put on over that sleek form, Beatrix smoothed her hands over the material to get out any wrinkles. She turned away from Vernita for unknown reasons. "I get along well enough," she stated smoothly. Vernita and Beatrix were on friendly grounds the most out of any of the five but that didn't give Bea any reasons to be truthful with a friend. She began to pull locks of blonde layered hair into a high pony tail with a black hair tie. "I could complain about a hell of a lot of things but I'm not gonna." She flashed Vernita a sly smile as she turned back to face her.

While Elle was gone O-Ren finished unpacking, she had put on a pair of slimming black pants and a long sleeve v-neck sweater to match. She had already assorted her outfit with hidden weaponry. She could tolerate a lot of things but her tolerance was wearing thin. She whipped around to face the ice-chomping woman. "Are you going to get ready or just sit there?" She didn't snap these words but spoke them eerily calm.

Budd rubbed at the back of his neck in an uneasy motion. Seeing Bill prepare for a kill always made him a tad on the uneasy side even if they were brothers. He cleared his throat nonchalantly. "Yeah, ok." He took a back step to the door. "What time ya need me back?"

Bill glanced at his watch, "Be back in a half an hour." he glared at Budd, "And don't be drunk."

Vernita returned Beatrix's sly grin. They were friends...but they were also killers, and not everything was confessable, it was mutual. "Hrm..I hear that," Vernita replied with a nod. Already in her "fitting attire" (black cat suit), Vernita went to the business of arming herself. It was amazing how many weapons she could hide in an otherwise very tight outfit. Once she was finished, she gave Beatrix a friendly pat on the shoulder, "If you need to tell me anything. I'm cool with that, ok?" The warm moment was quickly over as Vernita turned to the full length mirror, checking herself out. "Now that's what I'm talkin' about."

Elle dropped the bucket of ice on the bed, "Yeah, yeah alright." Elle's version of 'unpacking' consisted of her pulling clothing out of her suitcase in large armfuls and dumping them into a large pile. "Fuck! Now where is that white blouse." she began to dig through a pile of what appeared to be a large variety of white blouses.

In a short 30 minutes all of them had assembled in Bill and Budd's room. There was a large variety of black clothing....except for Elle, who had obviously found the exact white blouse she was looking for. Bill stood looking out the balcony window, hand on his hip. The motion revealed the fact that, under his blazer, he was wearing a two gunned holster. Bill never failed to have his own "cowboy" moments himself. He ignored everyone's presence for a few minutes, contenting himself with staring out the window. The window opened up to a large view of downtown Hong Kong. Then, shoving off of the window frame he turned to the group. "Alright, this is what we're going to do. I have a small place staked out near Jun's headquarters that we can use. This isn't going to be some easy run in and run out thing. I assure you that. I am hoping that she isn't aware of our presence in the city, but I have the distinct feeling she may. Now," he picked up his sword and a small leather bag, "let's load up all of our gear into the limo. It's out back. I'll fill you all in on more when we get to our stakeout. Let's go." All business, Bill marched out of the room, heading for the exit door that led to the back fire escape. Everyone filled out of the hotel room and down the fire escape in an orderaly manner. No one was particularly keen on the idea of being packed in the limo again but the stakeout wasn't that far down the road from the hotel.

Within a fifteen minute time period the Deadly Viper Assassination squad was gathered inside the small vacant town house. Pealing plastered walls, cobwebs, an occasional rodent, and dusty flooring. It was suitable. They were nearly right next to Jun's main base of operations. She run her little operation under the guise of an oriental rub company that specialized in mass produced cheaply made textile products. Thing was, they were doing far more than making shitting throw rugs. Each Viper had their own side of the room as it was easier that way. Bill, of course was in the middle all eyes on him, patiently waiting for the run down.

Bill walked away from the main window into the middle of the room, a pair of binoculars in his hand. "Well at least it's not a fish market...talk about a bad martial arts movie cliché there." He appeared to be musing to himself more than anything. "Ok..." Bill clapped his hands together, ".....despite how it looks out there, Jun actually has very few actual assassins working for her.....ten...fifteen tops....the rest of those bozos are just poor minority wage workers. They should pose us little trouble, if any. On the other hand, the assassins that Jun does have under her tutelage are extremely," he held up a hand,..."....extremely dangerous." He looked at Vernita, "That young assassin that attacked you Vernita was most likely a partially trained daughter or younger sister of one of these women......the real deal are far more deadly." After a little dramatic pause, Bill continued, "Jun herself may or may not be there.....but I'm afraid it's going to be nearly impossible to sneak in there without the entire gang being alerted one way or another. So, we are just going to have to expect that....Jun will show up," Bill gave a small introverted smile, "....she won't be able to help herself. She's going to jump at any chance to take us all out. Her hatred," he paused, hands on hips, apparently searching for the right word, very deep....and thus, she's somewhat predictable." He looked very serious, "We must not be."

Bill turned back towards the window that looked down on the large factory. Dozens of poor looking workers bustled back and down equipment being wheeled around. "I see it like this," Bill continued, "....we are going to need split up and surround the building the best we can. From there, move in....anybody who stands in opposition, take out. I want a total sweep...and I mean total. Personally, I don't give a shit if you need to get rid of a few of those workers. Whatever it takes. Jun has made it very clear she wants us all dead. I take that personally." He turned to look at the room of Vipers, "....and she knows I will return the favor." He bent and picked up the small bag, sword already in hand. Bill was never one to make encouraging speeches or prompt others to prey for their lives. He didn't believe in any of that sentimental shit. They were assassins not solders. He had seen to it personally that they were all highly trained. If that training failed, Bill knew that he had done all that he could to, the fault was not his. Bill made a quick nodding motion and everybody filed out of the townhouse.

Within a few short minutes, they had spread out and crossed the small square to the factory. It was nearly dusk and small nighttime winds thankfully began to move the fish market smelling air. As they neared the factory from their different vantage points, it became clear that the workers were beginning to close up for the night. They appeared eager to leave and there was some loud chatting and laughing from inside the freight garage.

Thus far, nobody had spotted the rapidly closing circle of assassins.

Each Viper had their own vantage point and area. No one was teamed up on this one as being fanned out suited the situation better. Some Vipers were closer to the freight garage entrance than others. The mindless and oblivious workers seemed to be packed up for the night; the loud screeching of the garage door could be heard as the workers pilled out to go home.

The tall blonde, formally known as Black Mamba was closet to the entrance. She could see through the thickening dark area that Vernita was nearing on the opposite side. In her hand she clasped tightly to a 9mm fully loaded and ready to go. Her body pushed up against the side paneling, stalking against the wall in a most stealth full and sly manner.

"I can't believe he did that," came words of choppy English from a worker exiting the building. He was a young man, wearing something similar to doctor scrubs but in a pale orange color. He was deep in conversation with an older woman wearing exactly the same attire.

"I know. I'm always scolding him for going up on the couch," the older woman argued back. The apposed couple stopped inches away from where Beatrix happened to be planted. She was pressed firmly against the side of the garage wall, gun cocked up to press tight against her chest. "Oh, darn, let me go throw this out," the young man moaned as he turned his direction.

He turned around and began a slow trudge in Black Mamba's direction. Intense blue hues glanced to her side. Shit. There was the garbage can. The young man, neared closer, not having seen the Viper as he stopped a few feet from the can. A piece of trash in his hand he threw the wad at the trash can, it bounced off the rim and landed on the ground. "Aw, damn." Groaning the man trudged over to retrieve the fallen trash. He knelt down to pick up the disposed paper when he stopped in mid motion. If it wasn't pitch black outside, even a complete idiot would see the black leather boots that Beatrix was wearing.

The man looked up, his mouth agape, his eyes immediately shot to the gun in her hand. "Wha--what--are you doing here?" he stuttered at the tall blonde. Bea flashed a coy smile.

"I'm selling girl scout cookies."

"You are?"

"No," she snapped, poising her weapon at the man's face. "I'll blow your fucking brains out if you tell anyone you saw me." The man had a look of utter fear on his face and he nodded his head quickly. "Good boy," Beatrix cooed bitterly. "Now go." The Hong Kong worker took off in a dash, grabbing the young woman by the hand in the process. Vernita watched Beatrix for a moment, a sly grin on her face but she quickly moved on. Pressed up against the concrete wall, gun in hand; she slowly edged into the garage and up a flight up utility stairs along one of the large walls. There was a metal door at the top of the stairs. She had just reached the door, when it was suddenly opened by one of the pale orange outfitted workers. Without really thinking, Vernita grabbed the shocked man by the collar of his shirt and tossed him over the edge of the walk. He landed on the concrete floor with a sickening thud.

Without a glance back, Vernita slipped into the stairwell. Flights of stairs led both up and down. She quickly assessed both directions and chose the flight down. Her footsteps were barely audible as she made her way down the abandoned flights. Finally, she picked a door and opened it just enough to peer around the corner. She could see a long dark hallway lit with garish red lamps and gold wallpaper. It had some promise. She checked her corner with an outstretched gun and proceeded down the hallway. Elle had gone in through the side door....it looked to be some sort of employee entry and exit. There were piles of cigarette butts littered around it...most likely their break area as well. She crept in through the door. Behind it there was a bare room consisting of a few snack and pop machines. A long table lined the middle of the room surrounded by upturned chairs and covered in bits of Chinese newspaper.

Elle began creeping around the table, when there was a loud crash behind her, she spun, gun tracking the sound. Two orange suited workers had appeared around the corner carrying a large piece of machinery upon seeing the blonde intruder they had foolishly dropped it. One of the men began yelling at her at Chinese but Elle had never been very good at the language...she understood something about, "What are you doing here! Get out!" With a small smirk, Elle raised her pistol and shot both men directly between the eyes. She had made sure that the pistol had had a silencer attached, but the gunshots still rang loudly throughout the concrete room. Picking up the pace, Elle sprinted out the next door. She kicked open the door, revealing a large laundry room. A group of women...suited in the same orange all looked over at her. "Hello ladies..." Elle cooed.

Bill, of course entered through the front entryway. He had strolled in and shot the desk attendant in the head without a word before making a quick sweep of the cheap security monitors that were displayed behind the desk. Finding nothing to worry too much about he then strolled into the nearest elevator. He had a slight hunch as to where Jun was hiding out in this dump and hit the highest number button the elevator displayed.

Halfway through his trip up, the doors opened and a man wearing orange scrubs and a woman dressed in more formal business attire attempted to get in. Reaching out with lighting quickness Bill broke the man's neck, dumping him onto the ground. The woman attempted a scream, but he grabbed her by the mouth just in time. He spun her around and upholstering one of his pistols he shot her point blank in the back. Not a bead of sweat nor change of expression touched his face the entire time.

Budd had been hanging near the entrance Elle took but went in the other direction than she did. He had a quant revolver in hand as he walked down the hallway and took a flight of stairs. His whole demeanor was rather calm considering the situation. He began to twirl the revolver, casually on his digits, brown eyes darting around to make sure he didn't spot anything out of the ordinary.

After the man and woman had dashed off Beatrix took steps inside. She spotted the cat like form of Vernita stalking up a flight of stairs. Gun still in hand she directed her steps towards the opposite stair well. She ascended the steps at a quickened pace keeping her form close to the wall incase anyone decided to drop by. Bea decided to take the stairs up and up until she came to a dead end. She hesitantly pushed the door open and peered out to make sure the coast was clear. Apparently she had wondered into the more luxurious area of the working complex. Probably where all the higher level associates hung around. Either way she slowly etched down the dimly lit hall way.

O-Ren had taken one of the numerous side entrances. She had a 9mm in hand, her grip tight to the cool metal. Not her weapon of choice as she was saving that for the fun part. She stalked around a corner, her eye sight catching a group of middle aged men dressed in cheesy-cheap outfits. They were bickering on in their native tongue. Obviously unaware of the Vipers presence. A sickening grin crossed the half breed's face as she stepped out from the shadows. "Hello boys," she greeted in a softened tone. All three of the men gasped in surprise and O-Ren gave them a bigger surprise as she swiftly shot each point-blank in the chest.

Vernita realized quickly that she had most definitely entered what was the "luxurious" side of the factory. Actually, it looked more like a cheap brothel to her but it contrasted greatly with the cement and industrial look of the outer rooms. She could smell strong incense in the air and voices behind many of the closed doors. Small ornate end tables dotted the hallway, decorated in a similar fashion. Vernita stopped next to one, quickly opening the drawer....inside it consisted of some parchment. "Fucking weird..." She whispered to herself. She was just about to burst in on one of the doors when another door opened further down the hallway. A tall Chinese woman emerged. She was dressed in a tight black dress with a long slits up the sides. The woman turned and locked eyes with Vernita. It was always obvious when you spotted when of your own "kind." The woman pulled a gun out from behind her back, firing almost simultaneously. Luckily Vernita was quicker and she dropped behind the small table. The bullet shattered a good portion of the table and Vernita was forced to throw aside the remains. Instinctively, she pulled out one of her trusty knifes. Her gun still in her other hand. She stood up, facing the woman straight on, a bloodthirsty look in her dark eyes.

Elle kicked one of the laundrywomen's bodies. The once clean white laundry room was now splattered in red. Elle had wasted no time. Stepping carefully over the bodies, she dashed towards the rear exit. She dashed out the door, but in a hurry she had failed to check her blind spot. An orange clad arm wrapped tightly around her neck. A man's voice shouted Chinese in her ear. She felt his weight shift to the side and realized in a jolt of horror that he was just about to pull some sort of alarm on the nearby wall. She spun around, punching him in the face. The man backpedaled, but quickly resettled himself into a fighting stance. "Ah, I see," Elle cocked her head to the side. She raised her pistol, but the man grabbed her arm and tossed her over his hip. She landed hard on the concrete ground. "Shit!" She floundered for her gun just in time to look up and see the man slam his hand onto the alarm. Scooping up her weapon she shot him in the chest....but the damage was already done.

Bill looked up as the room was filled with a loud screeching alarm. "Fuck!" He threw himself onto the carpeted ground. He had just reached the top office.....he assumed Jun's, when their cover had been blown. He drew both his guns, edging up next to the desk...his sword strapped to his back. Well, so much for stealth...all hell was about to break loose...

"Shit," Beatrix muttered as a red iridescent light began to flicker in the long hall way she was occupying. It didn't take long for an assassin of Jun's to jumped out from behind a closed door a few feet away from where she stood. Out stepped a woman perhaps ten years older than Beatrix. She was scantly clad in a pair of tight leather black pants and a crimson tube top. Her long locks of raven black hair was let down to flow elegantly over her shoulders. At the moment she had no noticeable weapons.

Bea raised a brow as the Chinese woman was rather nondescriptly checking out her opponent. "Ha, not bad," she said, her English was fairly well considering. She placed long arms on her hips.

"Excuse me?" Bea raised a brow. Her hands were tight to the gun in her hand. She wasn't going to shot the woman when she appeared unprepared because that would be a typical trap. "I said you aren't bad looking for a Caucasian female, with blonde hair. I'd hate to bloody that pretty face." Both brows rose. Weird. She cocked her gun at the woman that was now taking steady steps her way. "And I'd hate to bloody your pretty face," Beatrix contorted back smoothly. The woman laughed in a chilling echo. "I'm not as pretty as you my dear. But, that can easily be fixed." She flicked out a large threatening blade from thin air, or it appeared in such a manner.

The second the alarm went off Budd was in the stairwell. He watched as a few frantic workers ran down or rather fell down the stairs in a mad rush to leave the premises. He grinned to himself as he made further steps upward. He came to a dead end. Grumbling he turned around only to be hooked in the jaw, sending him into the wall with a loud thud. He immediately poised his revolver and took five good shots at the darting shadow.

O-Ren was casually walking over the dead bodies she had recently shot down. A low scowl to herself as the alarm hit her ears. She stopped in mid step as she heard a soft noise from behind her. She whipped around and sent a dagger threw the air. Target hit. The scream of a woman could be heard. O- Ren grinned deviously.

The alarm had briefly startled Vernita but she quickly recovered herself. She fired off few quick shots at the tall Chinese assassin, but the woman was just as good. She rolled into a graceful curve and rolling came up with her gun pointed at Vernita. This dodge gunfire routine went on for minute or two longer. The women quickly made a mess out of the ornate hallway. But bullets only lasted so long and Vernita threw her pistol down, regripping her knife. She advanced quickly on the tall woman, who had ditched her own firearm and pulled a knife of her own. Vernita loved a good challenge, especially when it involved knifes. The two women circled each other, undaunted by the blaring alarm. Then, like two feral cats they were on each other...blades slashing, fists swinging.

Elle dashed up another flight of stairs. She was angry with herself. She shouldn't have let that dumbshit trip the alarm. In somewhat of a panic she kicked upon a door near the top of the flight and dashed down the hall. A group of shadows could be seen moving down a connecting hallway, and Elle quickly threw herself up against the wall. There were voices, talking far too fast for her poor Chinese skills. She tightened her grip on her pistol.

Bill hadn't been behind the desk very long before there was a loud smash. Somebody had broken in through one of the glass walls. Rolling out from his hiding position, he stood and upholstering both pistols he unloaded both barrels into the newcomer that same cold expression on his face. Another black clad figure quickly followed, jumping through the remaining glass, this one appeared to be armed with a sword. Wasting no time Bill shot the figure in the face. He spun at the sound of yet another attacker. Out of ammo and unable to reload, he quickly unsheathed his sword just in time to meet the blade of his attacker.

The shadow that had been stalking Budd was now to emerge into the light. The woman clad in all black now had a handy knife sticking out of her gut. In her hand she held a fire arm and began rapid shots at the man. Budd, being slick as he was, especially when not drunk dodged out of the way. He quickly made a mad dash to the corner of the room and got out his own gun. Each had their weapon poised at the other, staring down to see who would shoot first.

Beatrix blinked a few times before she casually cocked back the hammer of her gun. Her opponent was deafly close and she didn't feel like wasting time. She shot at least three bullets in her direction; the woman dodged them easily to Bea's amazement. "You're good." Beatrix commented lightly as she began cautious side steps, the two seeming to go around in a circle. "I can do a hell of a lot better than this sweet cheeks." The woman than came at the blonde suddenly, a high kick, knocking the weapon from her hands. Beatrix reacted by ducking and balling up her fist to hit in the woman's gut. "Don't call me sweet cheeks," Beatrix replied tartly taking a step back. The woman doubled over in pain but recovered quickly. The two woman locked eyes in a fierce intensity. "Sweet cheeks," the woman growled. She raised the knife and ran at Beatrix. She lifted the blade up but Bea met it with her own blade. A few knife hackings began, both woman very good at what they were doing. Finally one of them got the upper hand. Beatrix slashed the Chinese woman in the upper arm. She yelped in pain and fumbled back. Black Mamba grinned wide. "I'll say it nicely this time, don't call me sweet cheeks."

The woman screamed at Beatrix, running at her with a mad cat's insanity. Her knife was raised, Bea met it again. She was pushed up against a wall; the woman had a trick up her sleeve. She grabbed out a pocket knife and quickly, before Beatrix could make a move, slashed her across the cheek. A swift crimson line appeared across her pale features. The woman smiled coldly. "Oopps." Now it was Beatrix's time to move swift. She shifted the dagger in her hand and made quick contact into the woman's gut. She stumbled back. A hand holding to the handle that stuck out. She was taking backward steps, her hand fumbling behind a plant. A fake cheesy decorated piece of art. She pulled out a machine gun. "Fuck." A mass of bullets began to explode, the noise echoing through the hallway, Beatrix jumped out of the way. She made a mad crawling dash out of the hallway and threw the stair well.

O-Ren at this moment happened to be descended the stairwell after finishing off a kill of her own. She had a few blood splatters on her outfit but they were hard to see. She was running a hand through her hair when she was rudely bumped into. Her hand went for the gun at her side but stopped. "Bea?" O-Ren's eyes widened a fraction at the blonde with the nice slash on her cheek. "What happened?"

"No time--to explain. I've--got a wild cat--bitch with a machine gun-- behind me. I suggest running." Beatrix explained this quickly and in between labored breathes. Finished she ran up the stair case, O-Ren on her heels.

Verntia could feel sweat dripping off of her face. This bitch was good. Most people only lasted a good minute or two with her in a knife fight and that was if they were skilled. They had been at this for at least five minutes. Both of them had small slashes covering their forearms, thighs and shoulders. As tired as Vernita was, she knew the other woman was surpassing her...she had already stumbled a few times on her own heels. It was now just a matter of wearing her down without receiving a mortal blow. Vernita dodged for the umpteenth time, stepping beside another small desk. How many of these damn things were there anyways? The Chinese assassin leapt at her, a look of desperation in her cat-like eyes. It was in that moment that Vernita saw her opportunity. Sometimes, the only way you could beat pure skill was to go back to the basics. The grabbed the woman's hand, jamming it into the drawer and slamming it shut as hard as she could. The woman shreeked, and Vernita took this split second opportunity to stab her square in the chest.

It was far from glamorous, but it worked. Spinning, she headed back towards the stairwell. To hell with this hallway. She had only gone up about two flights when she heard voices from below, they sounded oddly familiar.

"O-Ren. Bea!" She called down, leaning over the railing. "Shit!" She ran down to join them, out of breath "I think....Bill headed for the top." The three of them began a long sprint up another flight but came to a sudden halt.

Standing on the landing were three Chinese woman all of them appeared to be in their early 30's. One, who had short bleached hair, was spinning a pair of numb chucks. The other was quite shorter and was sporting a Kung Fu style sword. The third woman had a head full of spiky black hair and a leather skirt...she appeared to have no weapons.

"Oh my god." Vernita rolled her eyes. ''Hello...ladies..." spiky hair said in heavily accented English.

Elle had been following the shadowed forms for quite sometime but they had moved up two floors, but she had been able to remain unspotted thus far. They had just come to a junction...Elle stopped, peering her one eye around the corner. There were four people there...one man and three women. One woman in particular stood out. She was extremely short and petite. She was wearing a deep red Chinese silk dress and her long hair fell down to nearly the floor, in the form of a long braid. She appeared middle aged...but still very pretty. Her speech was soft and strangely verse like. This had to be Jun. Elle smiled widely, creeping back into the shadows. She heard the ding of an elevator and heard the group shuttle into it.

Bill parried the attacking swordsman's slashes with the smoothness and cleanliness that was achieved after studying swordplay and martial arts for over half of his life. In fact, he looked a little bored. Finally, boring of the game he kicked the man in the chest and lopped his head off. Such is the charm of a Hanzo blade. Flicking the blood of his sword blade, Bill turned to the sound of an elevator ding.

Beatrix blinked as she took in the look of the three gathered woman. O-Ren glared at the woman with the kung fu sword. O-Ren slowly let her hand fall down to her side, where she than pulled out a well concealed blade. Not as long as a sword and not as short as a dagger. She grinned sadistically at the woman. "Sweet cheeks!" echoed a loud yell from about two flights down. Bea glanced over her shoulder in irritation. "Excuse me ladies, I have a machine gun wielding bitch to kill." She nodded her head to the gathered assassins before turning on her heels and ascending back down the stair case.

Beatrix stopped a bout ten stairs down. The woman didn't have the machine gun anymore; instead she was holding that same pocket knife she slashed Beatrix with. She locked eyes with her blue eyes, the woman's smile turned sadistic. She slowly raised the blooded blade to her mouth and flicked out her tongue to lick off the human fluid. "MMmm." She moaned. Beatrix's mouth was hanging agape at this. Of course, I always get the sadistic psychotic bitches, she thought to herself. "Do I taste good?" She inclined curiously. "Delicious." Beatrix slowly inched her hand behind her back where she unhooked the small pistol from the holster. "Would you like some more?"

"I'd love some."

"Too bad, bitch." Beatrix whipped out the pistol; she took no time to shot. The woman was hit in the upper chest. She screamed out but her screaming continued as she reached at Bea. She shot again. The woman stumbled but kept on coming at her. Another shot. Hit, no pause. The attacker had to have been shot a good three times but she kept on coming up the stairs. "Why won't you--" But Bea was caught off as the woman jumped her. Both tangled they began to tumble down the hard stone stair case before crashing to a halt on the last flight.

The woman Budd was facing was laboring in great pain. She clicked the gun but the barrel didn't shot. She cursed loudly but she was cut off by the bullet she received in the chest sending her against the wall in a bloody mess. Budd smiled as he rose to his feet, hands coming up to dust himself off before walking away.

Vernita looked at O-Ren as Beatrix ran off to deal with. "Machine gun wielding bitch?" Vernita had little time to think about this before the other three women began advancing on them. Vernita flicked out her knife with a pissed off look on her face. Spiky haired assassin seemed to hang back as the other two...Miss Numb Chucks and Kung Fu girl came at them.... "O-Ren take that short bitch!" Vernita hissed as she slashed out at Miss Numb Chucks. This was a hard weapon to deal with, and Vernita had never really been able to figure out a good way to fight a numb chuck wielder with her knives.

She dodged the swirling chucks, mere blurs. Missing the rhythm, she took one right in the side of the head. The force was quite intense and it knocked her onto her knees. Her head felt like somebody had just dug a large hand drill into it. "AUGH!" She grabbed at her head, knife still in hand. Hopefully O-Ren was having more luck than she.

Elle had taken the next elevator after Jun and her posse. Unsure of what floor they had ended up on, she pressed the highest number allowed..

"JUN LO ZHAO!!!" Bill's unmistakable voice boomed down the hallway. He stood at the end, sword in hand. He had removed his blood stained jacket, black silk shirt and tie underneath. Jun and the three with her turned. A small little smile touched Jun's petal like lips. She stepped away from the group, towards Bill. There were a few seconds of silence as Jun and Bill stared down one another.

"Bill....I see, you are older," she sized him up, "Not so bad still though."

Bill gave a small smile, and small dip of his head, "And you as well Jun."

Jun gave a tiny laugh. "You got my note, yes? So nice of you to visit me here in Hong Kong. How unexpected"

"My pleasure," Bill retorted politely, if not a little dryly.

"I am so sorry to say your lovely ladies are not finding it so pleasurable as you say." As if to answer this, the elevator doors opened revealing Elle. Seeing what was happening, she leapt out into the hall, only to be jumped by Jun's four bodyguards.

"See, not so pleasurable..." Jun spoke softly over the sounds of Elle's struggle.

Bill's polite little smile was gone. "You've done me a great dishonor Jun." Jun's dark brown eye's flashed, "No...Bill it is you who dishonored me....so long ago. I have not forgotten."

"Apparently, our ideas of honor are a little different," he raised his sword, "Always were," his brown eyes flashed dangerously.

"Hrm...yes....misunderstanding. So sad." Jun held an expectant hand out to her side. One of her female bodyguards placed a sword in her palm. She scabbard was decorated in an elaborate of array of red dragons. She pulled the blade out, straight...not curved, in the Chinese tradition. Bill knew all too well about Jun's abilities. She was a true warrior. It was almost a shame he would have to kill her. Jun came at him extremely quickly. She was so small, her movements were mind numbingly quick. Their swords met with a screeching hiss. Despite her small size, Jun was extremely strong; she easily stood up against Bill's own force. They remained locked for a few more seconds and then swinging out of it, Bill came at her with a series of full arced slashes. Jun parried every single one. Undaunted Bill continued his offensive, a murderous look on his face. It was important he keep her on the defensive. He vividly remembered her offensive skills he wanted to avoid that at all costs.

Somewhere along the way, Jun managed to turn the tables and Bill found himself having to parry a series of lightning quick strikes. It was hard to keep up, even for an expert.

"You are not keeping up Bill," Jun quipped, ducking one of his own swipes, "You always could keep up with me before." Bill sneered, "You were worth keeping up with then." To answer this, Jun spun and kicked him smack in the side of the head.

Kung Fu girl was a good match for O-Ren. O-Ren met her blade with her own. O-Ren's miniature blade even though smaller was the

best match. Slashes were hacked at one another in a more traditional Chinese and Japanese fashion. They moved up past Vernita and her opponent. O-Ren's gaze was intense and blazing but her features remained calm and undaunted. She took the upper hand for quite some time till Miss Kung Fu ducked and O-Ren snatched her blade up against the wall, sparks sizzling, she winced in pain as Miss Kung Fu slashed her in the lower torso.

Beatrix and her femme companion came to a halt at the bottom of the cement stair well. She let out a small groan of pain as she could feel the numerous black and blue marks forming on her body. She pushed up to a sitting position, or at least had tried. The Chinese woman was lying on top of her, vertical to her own body. "Hello."

"Hi--shit!" Beatrix felt the hot sting of a blade mark at on the other side of her face. Warm liquid began to trail down along her neck line. Blue eyes glared fiercely, her palms came up and harshly pushed the attacker off. She bolted to her feet, using the back of her hand to wipe away the trickling blood.

"Oh, I'm sorry sweet cheeks, but it didn't look right without the other side." The Chinese woman let out an obnoxious school girl giggle. Beatrix returned the giggle mockingly and had taken out a blade in the process. Her trusty SOG, a blade used in the navy for killing other humans, seemed like an appropriate weapon. She ran at her opponent with a miraculous amount of speed. The sick bitch didn't know what hit her. A slash across her own pretty face, deeper than the one Beatrix received. Another slash to the side of her neck, until she dug the sharp blade into the middle of the woman's chest. She pulled out the blood stained weapon and took a step back, staring her down. The Hong Kong woman was gushing with blood not only from her slashes but the bullet holes from earlier. But she kept on walking at Kiddo. Slender brows narrowed in more than mild irritation. "Would you die all ready," Beatrix shot between clenched teeth.

"Beautiful ladies first."

Beatrix canted her head in a curious manner. "I thought I was pretty."

"I changed my mind." The woman wore a sadistic smile as she took stumbling steps at Beatrix who was holding her ground for the next move.

Verntia caught sight of O-Ren and Miss Kung Fu out of the corner of her eye then again, her vision was just the slightest big blurry at the moment....they could have been anywhere really. She shook her head, attempting to clear the cobwebs. Little Miss Numb Chucks obviously that was pretty funny and smiled broadly as she spun the chained weapon over her head. Vernita took advantage of the moment and jumped straight at her chest, knocking her flat onto the ground. She could feel the woman's breath suck in. They rolled down a flight of stairs to stop at the next landing. Vernita looked over and saw Beatrix with that tube top wearing psycho bitch laying right on top of her. She'd have to ask Bea about that one later.

Turning back. Vernita looked down at her stunned attacker and rearing back she punched her directly in the teeth.

There was little Elle could do at the moment but watch Bill and Jun's little showdown Jun's three bodyguards had her at a major disadvantage. They had taken all of her weapons and were at the moment pressing her up against the wall. Yet, Elle barely hid a smile....it was only a matter of time before she saw her opening....

Bill took a few steps back, head ringing from Jun's kick. He ignored the pain that was inconsequential. Before he had time to fully recover Jun came back at him, blade whirling. He was able to duck the attack, but only barely. Jun began to move her head in a circular motion, sword rotating in the same manner. Bill quickly realized what she was doing.....as her long braid began to pick up momentum; it became the counterbalance to her sword. It would almost be amusing, if it wasn't so damn effective. Dodging alternating braids and swords, Bill watched her closely. It was all a matter of timing. He stepped in, missing his chance he received an incredibly nasty braid whip to the face. Jun continued backing him into the corner in this method, as if she'd gone into some spinning induced trance. Undaunted Bill continued this game. Finally, he saw his opportunity...she had slowed down just a bit....Brining his sword up in a large arc, he chopped the entire braid off at the base. The nearly five foot long braid landed like a dead snake a few feet away. Jun shrieked, jumping back. She grabbed at the back of her head...only to find a frizzled stump of hair. Her face contorted in a shocked and horrified gasp.

Bill knew his Chinese traditions well enough, he had just done her the ultimate dishonor by cutting off her warrior's hair. It seemed rather silly to Westerners at times but to the Chinese, it was a very serious matter indeed. He refrained from gloating, simply raising his sword. "Bill....." Jun sputtered, all of her former composure gone with her hair, ".....you....you...stupid white man...." She ran at him with an undignified yell. Consumed by anger, Jun was only half the opponent she had been before. She had lost her edge, so to speak. Bill quickly began backing her up; their swords flashing amidst a parry, Bill caught Jun's sword below the hilt with his own blade and pulled the weapon out of her hands. In the process he lost his own sword.....they clattered into the corner of the hall. Jun had always been better at weapons than at hand to hand. Still looking disjointed, she assumed a Crane style Kung Fu stance; Bill assumed a Tiger stance, naturally. There was a flurry of fists, blocks and dodges. This went on for many minutes before Bill landed a hard stomp kick right on the front of Jun's shin bone. There was loud 'crack' and Jun took a few stumbling steps backwards. She grabbed at her leg, a look of pure hatred directed at Bill. Turning to her three bodyguards, she yelled in Chinese, "All of you come! Leave the blonde bitch!" The three bodyguards let go of Elle and bustled Jun into the elevator. Bill looked amused and somewhat disgusted. He wiped at the sheen of sweat and blood on his face, "Only a coward would turn their back and run!" He shouted at the closing elevator doors.