Author's notes: Well I was a little surprised by how things turned out for the vote. I didn't expect anyone to vote for Kasumi's death. What is more surprising to me is that more than one person did it too. After a long chat with my conscious… I mean Weebee, I've come up with something that will allow for what I have planned without death or pairing. There is further information regarding this in the end notes.
As always, thank god for prereaders. Both James Axelrad and Weebee have been invaluable in hunting my stupid errors and beating them with a very large stick.
On with the story. Now with fifty percent fewer semicolons! Thanks Gangsta Spanksta.
Disclaimer: I own neither Noir nor Ranma ½
The Fourth Sapling
By: brindani
Chapter 15: The Plot Thickens
Comfortably relaxed, Altena reviewed the recent letter from Chloe, casting a critical eye over the neatly written script.
'Things are not quite going to plan. The fools did take the bait by ordering Ranma's death. It's too bad for them that they orchestrated their own the second they signed the order. Such a shame, the inflexible men seized my ruse, allowing rumors regarding Ranma's injured condition to cloud their judgment. If they had bothered to look a little deeper, they would have realized Ranma's accelerated healing.
They also used the Tendo girl just as intended by gathering information in their attempt to take Ranma out. Ranma passed the final test during the resulting confrontation. They underestimated my prodigy.' Altena smiled, leaning down to move the pawn with one hand the last step forward, replacing it with a black queen. 'The greatest Noir to ever exist will soon be initiated under my care. My little Chloe and Ranma shall form the ultimate team.
I can already feel the bond growing from Chloe's letter.' Altena frowned. 'Still, Nodoka was supposed to be killed as well. I've waited years to avenge my beloved Mio. I'll just have to be patient a little longer." Altena smiled again as she gently set Chloe's letter on the table.
"It would be the supreme revenge to supplant Nodoka in Ranma's heart." Altena pondered Nodoka's face as she gently led her precious son down the path of death and killing. She allowed herself only a moment to wallow in the feeling of perfect revenge before stopping herself with an iron will. She had far too many things to do to simply lose herself in dreams. "The important objectives were achieved. They released Ranma's killing spirit without implicating me. The rest can come later.' Altena thought with a satisfied smile, returning to work on making her dreams a reality.
In a distant ancient castle far removed from the Manor, sat three men. The room was drafty, a chilled wind blowing through the large windows, yet no fire was stocked in the fireplace. The few still alive that knew these individuals would be shocked to find the lack of exotic wine. The three simply faced each other with grim faces.
"The Tendo girl failed."
"Yes, she has already paid the price for her failure."
"Perhaps, but the results surrounding her death… are troubling."
"Some thirty-one of our best men killed in the span of less than an hour."
"The security cameras confirm the boy had a companion, though we never received a clear image of either, I can only speculate it was Altena's girl, Chloe."
"It would make sense; Altena appears to be trying to set the two as a pair."
"There is the other troubling result of this… raid."
"You are referring to the hole in her office."
"Yes I am. The tools necessary to bore a hole through reinforced steel that thick are bulky, difficult to move. There was no sign of any such equipment."
"He must have used other means to force his way out of the building."
"The initial analysis indicates that it was burned out."
"Do you realize the energy required to burn a man-sized hole all the way out of the building?"
"I do, but it remains the only explanation."
"There were no security cameras in that room to corroborate that statement. It is impossible for a human to do something like that. If he did, he would have to be super-human."
"This is all Altena's fault. She led us by the nose, leaking false information concerning his supposed injury. It has caused us to error in our judgment."
"Very true, but we must look forward. How shall we proceed?"
"We need more information. Even if he is not super human, this man that turns into a girl has skills that outshine anything we have ever seen. Given other circumstances, he would be a perfect candidate for our purposes."
"Circumstances do not allow for that possibility. It is unfortunate that the Nabiki girl did not survive the blast. She had a direct association with the boy. We could use her insights to further exploit his weaknesses."
"If he is indeed superhuman, he must also have weaknesses. We should freeze all action against him and gather more information to find them."
"It is agreed then, we need more information about this man. Subterfuge may be our greatest ally in this conflict."
"I believe that may not be necessary," the statement garnered the others' attention swiftly. "We are not using all of our resources here."
"We've used everything at our disposal." Argued one while the other gave him a considering look.
"What have we not used?"
"There is only one enemy here that is coordinating their efforts to circumvent our power."
"Altena." The other two nodded in agreement.
"Yes, through her office, she has attained power equal to our own. If she becomes the high priestess, she will surpass our influence. If Noir were never to come about, Altena would lose all of her vaunted power. She would be cast down the ladder she forcefully ascended."
"True, but how is the question? Each of the candidates for Noir is far stronger then any professional assassin we currently employ. They can not be eliminated with a simple hit. We've learned this truth at great expense to our resources."
"Exactly, each set of Noir has passed their trials up until now without difficulty. Even the pair left in the dark has pushed passed every obstacle placed before them. But if each Noir member is superior, what would come about if they were pitted against each other early?"
"You can not be serious. Tradition…"
"There is a precedence." The statement left the others speechless. "Long ago it became necessary to initiate the final trials early. As was done long ago, we can say that the Soldats' need for their hands has become sufficient to warrant proceeding to the final trial immediately."
"How would you do this? One set has not even been enlightened into their situation?"
"Perhaps not, but they are avidly seeking that enlightenment. They have scoured the land for the smallest mention of our name. I believe that a hit on this Ranma Saotome would warrant full enlightenment."
His companions nodded reluctantly. The attempt would stretch their power beyond their authority. It risked everything, yet the potential benefits were just as great.
Back in France, Kirika and Mireille relaxed after their long journey. Their newest acquisition was held down by a rock on the pool table.
"The contract said it was witnessed by a man of the Soldats. That means when the Mafia first formed, the Soldats were there to witness it. Just how old is our enemy?" Mireille wondered, leaning back in her chair. She had hoped that the contract would be more enlightening. God knew what they had gone through to retrieve it.
Beep, beep.
Mireille glanced down at the computer, happily informing her that they had a job offering. Sitting up, Mireille scrolled through the listing, professionally evaluating the new job.
"Looks like someone wants a hit on a corrupt judge," Mireille said, scanning through the information in the email. "The judge is letting corrupt policemen go with a light slap on the wrist. It's causing a lot of pain to the people they hurt. Hmmm, what do you think, Kirika?" Mireille asked, leaning back in her chair again as Kirika stared out into the city from their window.
"It sounds good." She answered quietly.
"Yes, but research always comes first. We have to get all the details before accepting."
Beep, beep
"Looks like we're popular today. Let's see." Mireille sat up, lightly maneuvering the mouse to navigate to the next email. When the window pulled up, she blinked critically several times.
Kirika raised her head when Mireille did not elaborate on what the newest job entailed. Walking over, she looked past Mireille's shoulder. She blinked as she noticed the sender.
"From the Soldats." Kirika softly read aloud. Kirika's voice jogged Mireille's deep contemplation to the present.
"This is the first time they have made direct contact. It must mean something has changed." Mireille said, her mind racing to come up with possible explanations.
"Yes." Kirika answered quietly.
Mireille clicked onto the email, scanning through the document.
"What does it say?" Kirika asked as she attempted to read over her shoulder without success.
"It looks like the Soldats have separate heads of power. The email claims to originate from one of those leaders. They are requesting a hit."
"They are requesting a hit from us?"
"Apparently they are. The target's name is Ranma Saotome. He or she lives in Japan."
"He or she?" Kirika asked, curiosity peaked.
"Well it could be that there are two people with the same name. I'm doubting its one person. There is no way that make-up could account for the drastic difference in weight and balance not to mention proportions," Mirreille answered, critically looking through the attachments.
Kirika nodded, examining the two pictures attached to the email. One of a very well developed young man and the other of a short busty girl with flaming red hair, both sporting a pigtail.
"It says that we will receive the reward if we successfully kill either of these two people."
"What is the reward?" Kirika asked.
Mireille scrolled to the bottom before her eyes widened.
"Full disclosure about why the other section of the Soldats are attempting to assassinate us. And the book we have been trying to obtain." Mireille whispered.
Kirika blinked. Everything handed to them on a silver platter after just one hit? Kirika's brow lowered as she critically stared at the pictures. Why did the girl with the flaming red hair look so familiar?
While Ranma was a hot topic around the world, back in Japan night was blanketing the land. A brisk chilled wind filled the air sending anyone caught in it scurrying for home.
In the middle of the city walked a cloaked figure, unaffected by the chilled wind's icy touch. Discreetly the figure entered an alley. Within stood a gaunt man, nervously fingering a bushy mustache as he fearfully looked around.
"What did you find?" Chloe asked from behind him.
The man squeaked, ducking for cover. Opening one eye, he looked up at Chloe's calm face in terror. The stark terror receded as he recognized the girl. He stood clutching his chest.
"Don't do that!" He replied with indignation, nearly squeaking as the adrenalin rushed through his body.
"What did you find?" Chloe repeated, her words unchanging, but she now held a throwing knife in plain view. The man eyed the knife warily.
"It… it's dangerous asking around about Yakuza business." He said, eyes constantly darting to the ends of the alley. "They don't like people nosing around. They've been especially edgy with all the recent assassinations. Anyone caught snooping is killed on the spot." The man stammered, doing a miserable job appearing that he wasn't scared to death. "But me, I'm one step ahead, I've got sources on the inside," he licked his lips, eyeing the knife again. "They said there ain't anything happening tonight. Now, where is my payment?" The man nervously asked, as the knife became more conspicuous. The sweat beaded along his brow under the dispassionate gaze directed at him.
"I expect much more next time. You are paid to report their movements, not excuses." Chloe said using her other hand to toss a small bag of gold coins.
Chloe watched the man's eyes go wide with greed. He easily plucked the bag out of the air before darting down the alley, disappearing into the darkness. Chloe would have killed him a long time ago, but the rat had proven useful in the past. He had ears in high places of the underworld.
Shaking her head, Chloe started to run in the opposite direction. The man's prattle had delayed her from an important meeting. Climbing up the nearest ladder, Chloe started jumping across rooftops. Her intense training to keep abreast of Ranma had made it easier to do so even with some of the houses that were further and/or higher up.
As she progressed, the buildings became higher and higher. With a final leap, Chloe landed on the agreed upon high-rise. By habit, Chloe scanned the area. Unsurprisingly, there were no enemies. If there had been, they would have been forcibly ejected by her companion long before Chloe's arrival. On the opposite end of the roof, she spotted a familiar red pigtail rocking back and forth.
Shaking her head, Chloe walked behind the other girl.
"Good evening, Chloe." The girl greeted, not bothering to turn around.
By this time Chloe was well accustomed to Ranma knowing just where she was no matter how quiet she approached.
"Good evening." Chloe replied, watching as Ranma carefully examined the building before them. "So what is it going to be tonight? Corrupt politician, Yakuza din of evil or basic scouting for the standard damsel in distress?" Chloe asked as she casually sat next to the pigtailed girl along the edge of the building.
"What do you think?" Ranma asked neutrally.
"Ordinarily, being Wednesday, I would say breaking up a Yakuza meeting to pump them for information. However, my sources indicate nothing is happening tonight. Our recent activity has them hiding."
Ranma chuckled. "You know me too well. Yakuza din of evil it is."
"Didn't I just say there wasn't one operating tonight?" Chloe asked wondering if Ranma's hearing was going.
"Oh I heard you. My source, however, says there is a big function featuring three elite Yakuza members tonight. Sort of a playboy bunny convention with a little business on the side."
"Wait, my source never indicated anything. They sit right next to the Yakuza bosses. He would have caught wind of anything that big."
"You mean the weasel?" Ranma asked. Chloe blinked.
"How do you know about him?" Chloe asked in return, eyes narrowed.
"From what my source says, they have been nailing down leaks left and right. Your man was high on the suspect list. He probably will be dead before the end of the week."
"What source are you referring to? Are you using your Mother's old contacts?" Chloe asked curiously.
"No, I made this contact on my own. They are very well connected."
"Who is it?" Chloe asked, having a contact like that could be very handy as it appeared her current one was about to become fish-food.
Ranma turned to her with a wide smile placing a finger before her lips.
"That person's identity is…" Chloe leaned in, interested to know who this mystery person was. "…a secret." Chloe's eyes narrowed, letting a small scowl sneak past her mask. She gave the redhead a long dark look as Ranma held her sides laughing.
"Sorry couldn't help it." Ranma said, slowly calming down. "The person is very secretive, however. I'll ask if they want to meet with you," Ranma answered, regaining her composure.
Chloe restrained the impulse to hit Ranma. She might deserve it after that stunt, but killing Ranma by shoving her off of the building was on Altena's serious no-no list.
"So where is this convention going to be held?" Chloe asked, trying to divert the conversation.
Ranma gave her most insufferable smirk before pointing straight ahead. "In the basement of that building. They've been discreetly hiring hookers to play the part of the bunnies. In all, there should be fifty bunnies, twenty professional killers, and three very high ranking Yakuza. We just have to wait for the party to start rolling."
Chloe shook her head. Whoever Ranma's contact, they were well informed.
"So when is it suppose to start?"
"In about thirty minutes." Ranma said calmly.
"What do we need to set-up?"
"Nothing, everything has been taken care of." Ranma answered, lightly tapping an old fashioned harpoon gun and backpack laying next to her.
"Than why did you want me to come so early?" Chloe asked, her cheeks reddening. After the talk Ranma's mother had given her, it was difficult not to. When Ranma was male, she could hardly look at him straight in the face without going scarlet.
"I just wanted to talk, that's all." Ranma answered, continuing to examine the building across the way.
"What did you want to talk about?" Chloe asked, relaxing her stiff posture. Hadn't they already discussed everything in the past few weeks?
"How is Altena's search going?"
Chloe's red cheeks died away. The redhead only wanted to talk about Altena's progress? That was much less personal than she had feared.
"She is looking into who arranged the hit. Even with her large reservoir of resources, it is difficult. It's likely one of the heads of the Soldats with how elusive the trail has become."
"I see, please thank her for me in your next letter."
Chloe turned to look at the pigtailed youth again. 'How does she know I communicate with Altena through letters?' She wondered. Ranma appeared to have far more information then she should. Personal things like that should not be known to anyone aside from the currier, Chloe, and Altena herself. Perhaps this was something to report to Altena? Chloe shook her head, she had better postpone mentioning it to gather more facts.
"I see your ki training is coming along well." Ranma mentioned. Chloe's head whipped around. There was another thing that she wasn't suppose to know about. This 'source' might know too much.
"Did your source inform you of that too?" She asked quietly.
"Didn't have to, you're practically glowing with excess ki. I'll have to show you how to store it and create a reserve. You've done a marvelous job of developing more ki, but you're shedding it nearly as fast as it is created. If it keeps up like that, you'll be a veritable floodlight of whatever emotion you happen to be feeling. Not a good trait in this business." Ranma commented absently.
Chloe was startled. She had strived so hard to make more ki to keep up with Ranma, she never realized she was doing more harm then good. 'Perhaps I should have asked Ranma first.' She thought, a little perturbed she couldn't do it on her own.
"We can set aside some time on Sundays. That's a slow day for rescuing damsels in distress." Ranma finished, chuckling to herself at the imagery.
"That wasn't what you wanted to talk to me about, was it?" Chloe asked.
"It was one thing I wanted to discuss, but it wasn't what I really wanted to speak to you about."
"What then?"
"I've been thinking lately." Ranma stopped as Chloe gave her an incredulous stare. "Don't give me that, even I like to stop and think, especially after recent events." The playful credulity left, replaced with a hard pessimistic expression. "Events haven't been meshing recently. Did you know who sent those men to attack me?" Ranma asked, apparently changing the subject. Chloe shook her head. Altena had told her the results of their assault on the building and the damage to the room Ranma infiltrated. The room held no person, only some blood and a very large hole. She could only assume that Ranma had literally vaporized the body.
"It was Nabiki." Chloe thought about the name for a moment. It sounded familiar. Back from the time that she had first read Ranma's profile. 'That sounds like… yes the middle Tendo daughter… wait.'
"Nabiki?" Chloe asked. 'That girl should not have had any connections with the Soldats much less the power to organize the hits on Ranma.'
"Yes, Nabiki. Do you remember when we first met?" Chloe was again jarred by the apparent random jump of topic.
"Yes…"
"When you first arrived you carried two letters. Were those letters from Altena?" Ranma asked, acting suspiciously quiet and subdued.
Chloe blinked. She remembered the letters. That felt like so long ago. Chloe's brows lowered, 'Why would Ranma want to know about them?'
"They did come from Altena." Chloe answered, unsure where Ranma was leading.
"Do you know what they contained?" Chloe had to strain to hear Ranma.
"Of course not, Altena didn't want me to read them so I didn't."
"I see." Ranma's voice grew distant as he continued. "Did you know that the one given to Nabiki offered her a position within the Soldats headquarters?"
Chloe's eyes opened wide. "Why would Altena do that?" she whispered to herself.
"Yes, my thoughts exactly, why would Altena offer someone off the street such an opportunity within the Soldats?"
"This Nabiki person seemed very intelligent; perhaps Altena thought she would be a benefit to the Soldats." Chloe answered.
"Why directly and why so high within the ranks? Surely anyone with potential would have joined the Soldats in a lower position to affirm their loyalties."
"I…" 'The Soldats don't recruit often; they comprise members directly descended from those survivors of the disaster so long ago. Any who were recruited were usually through marriage and they always started at the bottom.
Chloe remained silent for a long time. Ranma allowed the disquieting peace to blanket them until she thought it wise to continue.
"I'm guessing Altena wouldn't tell you even if you asked, would she?" Ranma questioned.
"She has no reason. If she wants me to know something she will tell me. That is what matters, she tells me everything I need to know."
"I see, judging from your reactions since we met, she doesn't appear to think you need to know a lot of things. She didn't tell you about my Mother, the note to Nabiki, or that I was to be a Noir candidate."
"She did tell me that you were to be apart of Noir." Chloe challenged not liking where this was going.
"Yes she did, but only after I arrived at the Manor."
"How…?"
"I'm more observant then you think I am, Chloe."
"I do not want to discuss this anymore."
"That's fine, I just wanted to mention it. Just keep the matter in mind." Ranma said, turning away from Chloe. She felt isolated. Ranma was questioning Altena. Perhaps not directly, but questioning her motives none the less. If it were any other person, she would kill them on the spot, not giving it another thought. But this was Ranma, even if she tried, she would be unsuccessful. Even with the slight, she couldn't bring herself to try. What was worse, what Ranma said made too much sense to dismiss out of hand.
ring
Ranma fished through her clothes, pulling out a cell phone.
"Yes? The entertainment has started to arrive? Good, thank you for all of your hard work." Ranma hung up the phone, taking a deep breath before stowing it back into her pocket.
"Was that your contact?" Chloe asked, relieved her troubling thoughts had been interrupted.
"Yes, its show-time." Ranma said, standing up with the harpoon gun and a large smirk spread across her face.
Author's end notes: Hee, hee, things are going to start to heat-up. I won't say much, but the next chapter will mix a tad more humor to the story.
As to the vote:
Kasumi dies: 10
Kasumi lives: 17
I'm very surprised. This actually came close. If the vote for Kasumi's death had won, it would have happened. As there is an alternative to the pairing, that is what will happen. I would say what I intended, but as one reader has mentioned, that would be a spoiler and didn't want to hear it.
brindani