After the headache at hounoji academy, it was time for some rest. Actually some sense of normalcy would be nice too. Heck lets add a pony to this fairytale and set the stars ablaze with warm fuzzies and fireworks. Maybe this was how Mako thought the world was all the time. She certainly had the pep for it. It didn't matter so much anyways. She'd tried school again with Mako, but nothing really seemed to help lift the mood, and Mako got a bit worried about her friend. Of course she still had that friend there beside her listening to whatever she was blabbing at the moment. Not that it crossed her mind often or rather often enough. At least it seemed that way.

It crossed Ryuko's mind a bit too often these days as she stayed around the house in a depressed stupor. Her mind tried to move on and remember her promise. Thinking about him only brought him back to be destroyed again, to leave her alone in the world once more. No. It could not come back to this, to this state. There was too much life inside and too much to miss now: the Mankanshouku's, even the elite four (maybe save Jakuzare) and…Her.

She was the reason all this came up again. They'd cross paths again one day but how on earth was Ryuko to know it'd be so soon? She didn't even visit since they left the academy. There were a few odd things that Ryuko could try to blame her for, but this? It had to be her doing somehow or other. Kiryuin. Satsuki. The only family Ryuko had left and the one person she…had mixed feelings about. It was nice to have a sister, even one who put her through all the crap during her tenure at the academy. The one who tried to control people like a despot. The one who, when you really look at it, kinda tried to kill her. The one who just asked Ryuko to come to the corporate tower to discuss business. Heck, Ryuko didn't even know what business was but Mako insisted she go saying they needed some 'catch up' time. Why? Who cared anyways? They were related, but past that they might as well be strangers. Ryuko was hot headed and impulsive. Satsuki was calm and collected right?

Come to think of it, Ryuko realized she actually didn't know much about Satsuki. Despite fighting off and on again and saving the word and stopping the Primordial Life Fiber and stopping their evil mother Ragyo…she had no clue. Aha! Satsuki liked tea or something like that. Yeah! One point for Ryuko.

Satsuki had told her to come during the morning as there was a meeting with the chief officers of the company. REVOCS, the company responsible with the dispersion of life fibers into the clothing of humanity and creating the near catastrophe that would have ended humanity if not for those fighting against it, still survived despite everything. Ryuko wondered if this was the reason Satsuki wanted to see her again. Still, a "hello, I hope you've been well and all but we should try to meet up and get to know each other" might have been nice. You know, like actual people tend to 's not that she didn't want to see Satsuki, its just that she was…a puzzle still. Maybe they could just start over. Let the past stay buried and move on. Well, move beyond where they were perhaps. The past wouldn't let her stay buried, however.

Despite the misgivings, weirdness or whatever was nagging at her, Ryuko decided to go see Satsuki and figure out what all this was about. It wasn't her company after all and despite the influence she had over its current state, she really couldn't care less how it was doing or if they wanted her opinion on anything. Could you blame her? The last things this company made tried to eat everyone on earth. They also stole her best friend. That last thought brought some anger up from the bottom of that collective pot of things to be angry about. This anger is unexpected, but the real party was about to begin and Ryuko was the long-expected guest of honor, save for a small issue: Ryuko had no clue the party was being held.

Her alarm went off and as Ryuko searched in vain for the snooze button fumbling around the bed, her brain still sleeping in some far-off land missed a few things. It missed the fact that Mako was already gone and she was not knocking into her in the ill-fated attempt to smash the alarm to pieces. It missed the fact that the alarm wasn't going off at all. It also missed the fact that after she finally found the alarm and silenced it, the noise was still there. Angerly she returned to the alarm hitting it a few more times. The noise stopped. Grabbing her blanket and rolling over once again, Ryuko attempted to find sleep again. Her brain also missed the time on the alarm clock reading 8:00 AM.

"Matoi Ryuko!"

A booming voice rang through the house seemingly shaking the foundation of the room and scaring Ryuko into a panic as she unintentionally sat up and stared blankly at the wall. Wait. That voice was familiar.

"She's right this way I believe, probably still sleeping. Oh Ryuuuukooo!" sang a voice. That was Mrs. Mankanshoku talking or singing rather, so who was screa-?

"MATOI!"

Ryuko jumped, screamed, stood up (all at the same time) and was immediately smashed against the back of the wall as Gamagoori Ira filled the rest of the room.

"HOW ON EARTH ARE YOU STILL SLEEPING AT THIS HOUR?!" boomed Gamagoori as he quickly surveyed the room. "You are to be at the meeting room in exactly one hour from now in a clean and presentable manor fitting of a global company and with the CEO! I will not tolerate this laziness out of you for a single second more. Be outside and presentable in 10 minutes!"

"Geez. Ever heard of knocking. Or privacy?"

"I waited outside for 10 minutes expecting you to be prepared. I then honked on the horn and waited again. I will not wait any longer."

"Ok I get it. Sheesh. Just get out already! I'm coming."

Finally able to breathe again after Gamagoori left, Ryuko looked around the room. A meeting? Did they expect her to look like them in all their fancy get ups and stupid looking suits? Whatever. They wanted to see her after all, not the other way around. She managed to make her way into her usual outfit and stumble out of the house. She was greeted by a pink Cadillac with heavily tinted windows and Gamagoori waiting by an open door.

"So what's all this about huh? Dragging me outta here like that?"

"Are you suggesting that you would be able to make it on time in your current state? I came to ensure that you arrive on time to your obligations here."

"Get off me alright!"

"This must be more important than I realized." thought Ryuko as they zoomed down the road. "Getting her pets out to come and get me."

The more she pondered the situation the more she wanted to know and after a while resumed:

"So what's the deal here? Satsuki sends her minions out to come get me and for what? Why does everyone suddenly need to see me so badly."

"Have you heard anything of what is going on?"

"Not really. Don't really pay attention to much goin' on."

"Then now is the time to wake up! The government of Japan is being interrogated by other nations from around the world about the life fibers. In turn the government of Japan is looking into the people responsible for the life fibers. That means REVOCS, lady Satsuki and you not to mention the four of us as well. Things are going to be very serious from now on, so I suggest that you pay attention very well!"

"Lemme stop ya right there. If all this stuff is so serious why didn't anyone tell me about it till now?"

"I assumed you would know something but ignorance is no excuse. Do you really not watch the news or read the paper?"

"Do you really not want to go out with Mako?"

"This has nothing to do with Mankansho-"

"Oh get real. Sitting over there telling me I don't pay attention to stuff and you can't even get the nerve to talk to her."

"Its not like that."

"Whatever. Just lemme know what's up with this company stuff will ya?"

"The short of it is that the governments of other countries and our own needs someone or something to pin this life fiber debacle on. At the moment they seem only focused on REVOCS but they know that lady Satsuki is related to Kiryuin Ragyo and could blame her for it. The reason she told me to get you now is if someone finds out about who you are. More importantly, what you are."

"So, if someone finds out that I'm made of life fibers, then what?"

The thought made Ryuko shudder more than she imagined it would.

"I don't know but whatever course of action they take, you are likely to be implicated in conspiracy or quarantined to be evaluated. They may consider you a threat. I'm sure more information will be available soon. Now then, look ahead! We are nearing the city."

The car rumbled through downtown and approached the massive building that housed REVOCS. It loomed over the town like a spire over a castle; a reminder that powerful people resided within and an ominous sign of the life fibers. The car took to an exit and went into an underground tunnel opening into a large parking structure. Before they could enter the garage proper, Gamagoori turned the car into a wall that lowered as they approached revealing a second tunnel. At the end was a smaller lot and a second tunnel. The car stopped in the lot and Gamagoori motioned to Ryuko.

"Look here. See that wall there. Approach it and it will open to you. Beyond is an elevator that will take you to the top of the tower. Good luck. I will be in touch soon."

With that he left. The car screeched away out the second tunnel and soon all was quiet again. Ryuko felt a slight lump in her throat but brushed it away as she pondered what was about to happen. The wall opened just as Gamagoori said and she entered inside the elevator pushing the button for the office suite. The elevator zoomed upwards at an alarming pace and Ryuko nearly fell to the floor. The dark of the underground lights quickly gave way to sunlight and a view of the entire city opened up before her. She gasped as she continued to climb, seeing the city for the first time in such a way. She looked out and saw the bustling of cars and people below and the sun rising against a clear blue sky with the trails of jets cutting across. She wasn't a morning person but was forced to admit the view was a cool one. Ryuko imagined that Ragyo would look over all the fools below her doomed to their fate and chuckle. Today however, seemed hopeful and perhaps the worst truly was behind. A shadow quickly told her she was near the top as the elevator slowed before entering the top floor and stopped. She found herself in a hallway facing the opposite wall lined with closets, mirrors and what looked to be doors to small rooms. To the left was a sign reading 'airlock' and to the right, her destination: the meeting room.

Just like the rest of the doors, this one opened by itself and she could see a round room filled with seats and a large table in the center. To the right was a second table and large seat, occupied by a certain Kiryuin Satsuki. To her side was a familiar constant: her butler Soroi. He seemed to be as cheery (or non-emotive, but Ryuko could never quite tell-not that she cared either) as ever and of course, waiting with his tea. In contrast, her sister was quite easy to read: tired, worn out and frustrated. It was odd to see her as such considering her normal demeanor was akin to steel but non the less she perked up and her face seemed to brighten a bit when she saw Ryuko walk in.

"Ah, Ryuko."

Her voice was a bit softer than Ryuko remembered. Well, it had been a while since they'd seen each other after the mess at the academy. There was something off though. Hardly noticeable even for a keen observer, and Ryuko hardly fit the bill. It would have been good information down the road however.

"I trust you are well? It has been a while hasn't it."

"I guess so." said Ryuko in a nonchalant kind of way.

"Well then, I would love to catch up with you. Perhaps after we're done here but I'm afraid it must wait. There is much to do this morning and we must prepare…"

"WE?!" interrupted Ryuko. What on earth was she supposed to do in a room full of suits? Her business repertoire consisted of…well she'd get to that later. Hopefully. Maybe if-

Her thoughts were interrupted by the continuing conversation she'd tuned out.

"Yes. The board is convening in an hour and I want you to give a statement."

"A statement huh? Like what?"

"Let me explain. The United Nations, which Japan is a member of, is investigating the battle we fought against the life fibers. The results of said investigation are that the life fibers started in Japan and here at REVOCS. In turn our government is deciding if REVOCS can still exist and in what condition. There is also satellite footage of us fighting and enough of it to warrant an investigation into me and you. Naturally we are cooperating within reason and ability but there are prying eyes everywhere and there are some things that should not be so transparent. You are a good example of this."

"Whatdaya mean me?"

"The people in charge of the investigations want to talk to you. Perhaps more than talk. If they find out that you also have life fibers inside of you, they may wonder if you are a threat to them or anyone else. I know this is hard to hear suddenly and I tried to keep you under the radar for as long as possible. I hoped to avoid this all together, but the situation is beyond me now. As such I have asked the board to convene now to sort out the future of the company. I must warn you, there are those here who disagree with me on this issue and want to see the company continue without me and you. In other words they might try to oust me as the CEO and decide to let the government or any other organization meddle in our affairs. Though REVOCS might not exist in its current form once this all plays out, there will still be people with influence and power-maybe enough to cause trouble. I brought you here so that wouldn't happen."

Ryuko gave her a stare. The CEO wondered if the gears were turning, but after a few moments Ryuko let out a long 'I get it but I don't really get it.' Satsuki pressed. She needed to know where the younger bluenette was on the matter.

"You're saying that I'm here but here is where all the people who might let the government or whatever come and 'investigate' everything. I ain't the best at math or anything, but how does this help?

"You misunderstand. You are here. With me."

Satsuki smiled a bit, making Ryuko think her jaw might be misaligned or something. It didn't stop though, and she realized it was genuine. How many muscles were cracking with that smile?

"Oh. Um, well, thanks I guess. So what do I tell these board people?" stammered Ryuko as a slight blush wrapped around her cheeks. This was getting crazy. Was there anything that Satsuki didn't overdo? First the whole life fiber thing and now she would go against her own company, against the whole country? Heck, even against the world? All for her? What was all this about?

"Tell them whatever you want to. You can respond to anything they say once you are given the floor."

They continued to discuss the specifics and the aims of the company. Ryuko was woefully unprepared to be sparing with brass like this and she would need all the help she could get. Lucky for her, a certain sister knew a certain tech genius who could get them some information on the global situation. Soon enough the meeting started.

Over the course of an hour the room split into three groups. The first, and smallest of the group sided with Ryuko and Satsuki. The other two were opposed to the two staying with the company but had drastically different goals. The first were in favor of disbanding the company as it stood and reform with outside intervention. They didn't care to depose Satsuki but saw no other options facing a government intervention. The second was notably more vocal, wanting to keep the company intact. Led by a strong-willed leader they argued that the company did have bad publicity and would be a struggle to operate but still had the entire market share of textiles and owned many distributors. They didn't need the Kiryuins to front it or be anywhere near it. In secret, a few didn't want the Kiryuins to exist at all. They interceded the conversation and the leader spoke out:

"I think it's clear to all here that we simply continue on without miss Kiryuin here. Surly you all can see that our government needs a scapegoat to offer the rest of the world. I and several here think that this can all be managed comfortably for everyone here if she resigns. REVOCS will survive. This is still the largest company in the world and we cannot afford to show any weakness nor restraint. If it costs us one CEO then this is a simple price to pay. Remember that no one here wants to lose a job, especially over something that no one had control over. Besides, if we-

Satsuki interrupted after holding her peace.

"How pathetic are you people here?" she shouted, causing all to quiet down. "The world will leave you with nothing but dust and ash. If you pigs think that removing me will make you safe then your sight truly is blinded by the murmurings of an idiot. No one else here did anything to stop the invasion of life fibers nor to tell the world what was happening! Listen to the naysayers and politicians who shuffle around like worms in the dirt. The sparrow will come and devour them all. Then what will you be left with? Consider these words carefully as each of your futures depends on it. Nobody knows you, you who were all weak and unfit to be here in the first place who crawled up from the earth to fill a void left by Kiryuin Ragyo! Her underlings said yes to their own demise, but they said yes to a cause beyond themselves. How many of you can say this? You only care about yourselves, mindless to the one who feeds you. If hanging up my sword here meant the world would be resolved of this issue then you would have seen it already. This will solve nothing and your bickering only destroys your resolve."

The room stood silent. Slowly the outspoken leader spoke up again.

"If you don't believe in us then how can you believe in this company? Despite this, you bring that girl over there here and expect us to shelter her too? I think I can speak for most in this room stating that you are a conflict of interest right now and despite your position here require attention elsewhere. I think that we can manage things here with or without a distracted Chief Executive who, speaking of resolve lacks any to bring this company into the future. Now then, may we hear from you, miss? Sorry, I don't know your name."

After receiving a nod from Satsuki, Ryuko stood up and walked over to the floor standing before the board members.

"I don't know you either and that's fine with me. Listen here ya numbskull. No one here has more resolve than Kiryuin Satsuki. No one you hear! Yeah she can be hard sometimes and ain't the most forthwith coming sometimes but that don't mean she doesn't care or nothin' like that. Just look at how she handled the academy graduation. Everyone was taken care of. So maybe you want to get rid of her, but there ain't anyone better at doin' this kinda thing than her."

The man responded again looking Ryuko over a second time.

"Are you her character witness or something? Don't you know she treated the students in that academy of yours with the same contempt you find her spewing here? She ran a system of terror where only the strongest survived, but all in the name of her dear mother who tried to destroy the world. Do you have any experience running anything?"

"Erm, not really but-"

"Do you know that stubborn pride will get in the way of progress and refuse your eyes the proper sight of things?"

"Um, actually I-"

"Are you here to defend her actions?"

"Yes!"

"Well then can you expl-"

"Would ya shut up a minute! Geez you're like talking to the guy on a tv. It's just noise all the time. Look, I can go into all the crap about how great her organization skills are or how she designed, built and conducted a rebellion right under the nose of an evil overlord or how she sought to find best people for a job that most would run away from, but I ain't gonna. What I will say is that when Satsuki put me through all the crap at that academy it was to make sure I was strong enough to help her in her resolve. Sometimes you need a little tough love, that's all. But ya know what? I don't think you care."

Several people shouted all at once and the room became chaos. Ryuko stood trying to figure out what the heck was happening when her sister pulled her aside.

"Let these fools sort themselves out. We shall see which side will win out. Listen carefully."

Eventually the room fell silent again. Then a different man spoke up:

"I'm afraid I need a point or two cleared up. I just got a message saying that the government intends to question all who are responsible for the life fibers and resulting demise. Now I understand that perhaps miss Kiryuin does not wish to speak on the matter and being here she does not have to. Yet. What bothers me is you. Who are you and what business do you have here?"

"Her business is with me." replied Satsuki.

"I'm sorry but that cannot do. These are uncertain times here and though I don't want to, I will move to a vote of no confidence if you cannot explain this to me and everyone else here. We need to be as transparent as possible now. That's not to say we divulge everything of interest in the company, but WE as a body must know how to proceed and the information you provided isn't sufficient," the man retorted.

"I suppose you didn't listen to me earlier," mused Satsuki. "As we all well know the government will force REVOCS to expunge any and all persons and data useful to the prosecution of their case. The only question is when and how. She helped me fight the life fibers and that is the extent that I will say. She is here as a liability. I suggest you consider how many more liabilities you have here within yourselves. None of you did anything and the government will see this. If you wish to press me further, prepare to leave."

No one moved. Being reminded of the time the board went on to discuss other topics and after what seemed an eternity of boredom to Ryuko, they finally dismissed. After the room cleared and became quite again Ryuko looked around at Satsuki. She seemed a bit deflated as if winded from exercise. Perhaps even more amazing was the materialization of her butler who urged her to sit down and as always, have another cup of tea. Perhaps she had no blood left and was made of tea? No matter, though Ryuko made a mental note to ask Soroi where his hiding spot was for next time. Hopefully there would be no next time as this was hard enough.

"Do you do this kind of thing every day?" asked Ryuko.

"Thankfully no. This was indeed an exception. I'm sorry that it took so long and how they behaved themselves. They are all like rats trying to increase the size of a rotten nest. After Ragyo left and all of her followers with her, only lower-level employees were left to fill the void. Now some of them see power and opportunity rather than responsibility. They are correct of course that the company can proceed without me. I hope someday that it can. For now I need it to do one last thing for me before I let it sink to rest with Honnoji Academy."

"Wait. What do you mean? Yer just gonna give up this big ole company?"

"Yes."

Her response shocked Ryuko a bit but gradually she came to an answer, the same one that she'd been working on herself: moving on and letting the past stay buried. Satsuki went on to explain that the company would have to be tried and subpoenaed to relinquish all that it knew about life fibers and that included Ryuko and herself. It was on record that the life fibers drove Ragyo to attack the earth and that the union of a person and life fibers was very dangerous. The only other case was Harame Nui and it was pretty obvious what the jury would decide about something like her. It was then that Ryuko begin to see why Satsuki had invited her here. Or did she?

"So what did you really invite me here for? Did you really want to catch up or what?"

"I did want to see you. I think it's good to spend some time together but out there even with the Mankanshoku's is dangerous now. It is even here, and I suspect that some of the board members know that I'm hiding you here. Inumuta has told me that rogue hunters are offering to find life fibers and even are hunting any that remain. But enough of this, she continued. Let's take a walk."

The two left the room and then the whole building, taking a trolly down to a pier. It was part of the shipping district but more of a shopping thing with booths and seating around. Several vendors had boats pulled up to the sides selling wares and whatnots with lighted signs and people waving to attract buyers. On the land were several amusement rides and carnival getups. The two made their way down the pier talking the whole way. It was a bit awkward sometimes as neither quite knew much about the other. Despite this barrier, soon they found a few common interests.

It was odd for Ryuko to see Satsuki…relaxed. That was it. Not in charge or demanding. Relaxed might be pushing it though as she detected a bit of nervousness or buried apprehension. Finally, Ryuko asked her about it. Despite knowing her for some time, both had to admit that they really didn't know the other very well.

"Hey, aren't you enjoying it here? This place is really cool but ya seem a bit, oh I dunno, somewhere else."

"No, this is an interesting place. Sorry. I was just thinking of other things. You know, I've never been here before and all of this is a bit…new."

"You mean you've never had fun? C'mon Sats, ya gotta live a bit ya know. Just kinda be in the moment y'know."

"Well, maybe not this kind of fun. I do enjoy things, believe it or not…ya know."

Perhaps her hobbitry was a bit flat but some are better at it than others. She was trying though. That had to count for something.

"I'm just kidding ya. But really now look around. Don't you see the people here just out to enjoy themselves? Just relax a bit, kay?"

The younger girl stooped up and was coming closer through the conversation. At this point Ryuko was in her face staring into her soul trying to see if anyone was home, but let's be honest here: it's hard to relax with someone in your face and despite the pedigree, Satsuki did need a moment to wind down. Ryuko studied her face, trying to determine if the rusty gears in her relaxation machine still functioned after so long. She was surprised at how much Satsuki did relax and after what seemed like a mini meditation the two were off again.

As they continued talking and visiting different shops and boats Satsuki took a brief moment to consider her sister. Could she be like her? So flamboyant and comfortable? Both Ryuko and Mako had been a bit much for her when they went on their 'date.' She'd thought it might be a time to let loose after the fight against Ragyo, but that's just who they are. A bunch of crazy people looking out for each other, just like her own elite four. That did bring a smile and a memory of the elite four squabbling back on the Naked Sol. It was the first time she could remember having a real family or at least what she'd imagined they were like-if the Monkanshoku family was anything to go by. It reminded her: she'd have to catch up with Nonon as well. Sooner rather than later. Speaking of family, maybe she and Ryuko could become one too.

While she stood there lost in thought, Ryuko proceed to find all the foods she was certain that Satsuki had never tried before. By the time she returned her arms carried several corndogs, a funnel cake, elephant ear, soda and deep-fried mysteries. Of course, this was round one, and there must be several attempts at such things regardless of what her sister might balk at. Finding Satsuki just standing there with a small smile was almost her undoing. Surprised and eager to try her snacks she immediately tried to get the other's attention before she stopped herself. This was something even Ryuko couldn't interrupt. Blinking for a second, Satsuki returned to the present shocked at the impact of that particular memory.

"Hey, Satsuki. Are you still here?"

She heard a voice. Ah! Ryuko. She was there, wasn't she? Returning her attention, her smile quickly faded into a soft frown. Some may call this its natural state. It was at least in Ryuko's scientific inquiries. Finally, detective Ryuko deduced that her snacks were the source of the scowl. None the less, she put on her best salesman voice and proceeded to pester her older sister until she had tried every single thing on the menu.

After explaining that she couldn't eat the corndog and hold the funnel cake, Satsuki agreed to at least hold the cake while they walked to the end of the pier. By the time they'd arrived at the end both corndogs and half the elephant ear had disappeared. To her dismay, the funnel cake was still intact. Nearly. Satsuki had tried a piece, if only to claim such but hers was one of the few loosing battles on her career as Ryuko demanded they split it evenly. It was a ruse, thought Satsuki as after they had finished, Ryuko proceeded to make fun of her powdered sugar lips. Were little sisters that annoying? Her face turned the ever most touch of red, a betrayal she could only blame herself for. Or could she? So many thoughts and questions to consider…

"Hey there! Don't be getting bashful or nothin' on me. Although I gotta admit you looked cute in that picture with me and Mako. Haha, your cheeks were like roses."

Ryuko's assault her dignity and her arteries was enjoyable if not starting to get old and Satsuki knew she could finally get some answers. At least she had to try.

"You flatter me." replied Satsuki. "I do appreciate your concern for my cultured tastes to explore new…food (If that's what it was supposed to be) but can I ask you a thing or two since we're here?"

"Um, yeah. I mean if it's not weird."

"Why? What would be weird?"

"I mean-I dunno. Like, Mako asks weird stuff sometimes so I kinda assumed that-"

"Don't worry. I'm a basic boring non-interesting person after all" she continued, regretting immediately her word choices. "Have you thought about your future? What would you like to do?"

"Guess I haven't really thought much about it. Why?"

"I plan on leaving REVOCS when all of this is over. Since you will soon be finished with your schooling I thought perhaps this could be a new start for both of us."

"So you're just gonna walk?"

"No. I will let the government dismantle the company. There is no one worthy there to continue it, nor a reason to do so. REVOCS existed to distribute life fibers across the globe and now only exists as a shield from prying eyes. I don't want the government trying to get at you for whatever misguided reason they come up with just for the sake of ridding the world of life fibers once and for all."

"Yeah, I think I get it now, but they can come after me if they want to. They don't scare me that much so-."

"Listen!"

"Huh? To wha-?"

The talking had died down around them until only a few voices could be heard in the distance. The two sisters looked around and noticed the crowd had slowly died away as a group clad in armor and carrying various weapons materialized from within the people closest to the end of the pier. Some appeared ninja-like and others more akin to samurai and all with masks concealing their faces. One of them approached the two and asked:

"You are Kiryuin Satsuki?"

"What of it?" she replied, nudging her collar.

The less armored of the group rushed forwards raising their weapons. Some threw stars, knives and darts while others used cutting weapons. The blows hurt, but Ryuko simply became enraged, grabbing the two closest assailants and slamming them into the wooded pier, breaking several of the boards and opponents in the process. Satsuki feinted a flank, then corkscrewed into a third ninja, disarming the wakizashi brandished against her. Continuing with her momentum she caught the falling weapon and threw it at one of the samurai clad goons charging at her. He flicked the sword aside…as expected. She grabbed his arm and threw him, grabbing his sword and cutting him as he tumbled over her.

At this moment the leader charged in with a flying knee, knocking Satsuki to the ground. She managed to block a blow coming to the head and chest, but he pushed her blade to her chest, slowly sinking it in. Satsuki grabbed the dagger in the guard of his sword, taking his sword into her chest to do so, and stabbed his eyes until he managed to grab her arm. Rearing up the samurai disengaged his blade and tried to stab, but Satsuki used her own sword to turn it into the ground and, shifting her position, she caught a glimpse of Ryuko.

Two more ninjas and the remaining samurai rushed after Ryuko to avenge their fallen comrades trapping her in a circle and attacking all at once. She took several slashes before grabbing a ninja and throwing them into the second while taking a slash to the back. She retreated as the samurai pursued, reversing long enough to land a kick that knocked him down. Her success was short lived, however. The two ninjas recovered and tackled her, drawing tanto's and stabbing. It was too much. Their stabs and punches shredded and pounded Ryuko until she couldn't resist and simply collapsed. Her last reaction was to the samurai giving her a vicious slash across her front, with blood coughing up and her eyes widening until they glazed over.

Satsuki, still pinned, screamed as she saw the trio drag Ryuko towards the edge of the pier. Her scream was interrupted by a boot slamming onto her face, a present from the previously dispatched samurai. The former was enraged at the loss of an eye and carved his sword into her several times. Enraged, in pain and consumed with a mix of emotions, Satsuki struggled to stay conscious as the beating continued. Curb-stomped would be an accurate description of what followed.

Eventually their attackers bored of the events and dragged the two limp forms to the pier edge and sent them into the sea. Fearing the red water would be a giveaway, they launched a fishing boat and dumped dead fish into the water. When their labor ended, the leader phoned his boss.

"She is taken care of. There was also another girl here…She won't be a problem either. … No she attacked too. … No. There was no one else here. We made sure of it. Our agents were here as soon as we learned she was here. … Ok."

"Listen up", he said turning to the others with him. "The boss wants the agents to patrol this place undercover for a bit but is satisfied with the job. We'll go back to base now and await instructions there."

The group left, but contrary to their thinking, there was someone who saw what happened. A small surveillance camera turned to follow them as they departed. As they left its range of vision, it returned to the place the two girls had been thrown, as if searching for someone or something. Looking at the camera feed through his laptop, Inumuta Houka spoke grimly into his cell phone after merging several calls. In shock, with his face reading of a thousand dark words reserved for the doomed, he only managed a few audible syllables.

"We were too late. I-I th-think she's, she's…"