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*DISCLAIMER* Warning: Java compilation error. Insufficient coffee. Due to this, none of the characters, situations and sites belong to the authors of this story. They are currently just used to explore the effects of sleep deprivation.
Genichiro is dead. And it was me that killed him. Part of me is glad; he killed Tsukumo without warning, without remorse. But part of me is so horrified that I just want to curl up in a ball and die. And to make matters worse, Akito is gone. He was taken by Mie, after he threw himself in front of an attack meant for me. My life is in shambles right now. And its all my fault.
Tail Kinker and Kitsy present Magical Girl Pretty Ruri
Episode Twenty-One: Not a Snowballs Chance...
Akara waved a hand in front of Akitos face. This drew no response at all. Mie shook her head. I dont understand it. He got fried pretty badly in the fight, but nothing that should have disrupted his mind or memories. Akara sighed. A pity. We could have picked his brain clean, learned exactly where this Ruri person lives, her weaknesses...everything. Instead, we have a blank slate.
* * * * *
Deja vu, all over again. Ruri. Wake up. The room was dark. The curtains were drawn as tightly as possible, blocking out the morning sun almost completely. The alarm clock had been unplugged, and the computer shut down. Ruri had also considered hog-tying the cat and leaving him in the laundry hamper, but it had seemed like too much trouble. Ruri! Ruri rolled over on her belly, and pulled her pillow down over her head. Ruri! Get lost. The pillow was grabbed and tossed across the room. Is that any way to talk to your mother? She rolled over and glared at her mother. Mom-- Whats wrong, Ruri? Usagi sat down on the edge of the bed and laid a hand on Ruris shoulder. Whatever it is, you can tell me. She frowned. Does it have anything to do with the explosion yesterday at the tower? ...Kinda. She hesitated. Akito was in the tower... Oh, Ruri... I dont know where he is now. She squeezed her eyes shut. Usagi leaned over and hugged her daughter. Your friends are here if you want to see them. Friends? Megumi, Yurika and...Inez. Theyre waiting downstairs. I dont-- Ruri. You insisted on helping Megumi when she lost her boyfriend. Usagi stood up. Let them help you now. Okay?
* * * * *
Hey. Look whos moving! Ruri stopped at the bottom step, staring down at her feet. Inez stood up from the couch. Im sorry, Ruri. Dont worry, Ruri! Yurika was surprisingly upbeat. My Akitos so brave and resourceful, he can survive anything! I know hes okay! Hell come along sooner or later to rescue me again-- Megumi blinked in confusion. Ruri lowered her head. Baka. Inez backfisted Yurika. Hard. We need to cheer you up, Ruri. I have a great idea! Megumi clapped her hands excitedly. Theres this ski resort-- I dont ski. Hey, dont worry. I dont think well be doing a lot of skiing. Ruri started to worry. Is this going to be anything like the time you dragged me into a Karaoke club? No, its gonna be a lot more fun! Forget it. Seriously, Ruri. Its a great place to relax, and cheer up. There arent many people there. Inez nodded. It sounds like a good idea to me. We wont have to do anything there...just relax. She grinned. Not likely to be any interruptions, if you know what I mean. Ruri continued to stare at her shoes. If thats what you think is best. Inez grabbed her arm. I know its best. Yurika grabbed the other. Trust us. Itll be fun!
* * * * *
The ski resort was only a little distance from the city; it was a tourist trap, with snow generators, a lodge, hot springs and cabins. Yurika boggled. How the heck can we afford this? Let me explain. Ai produced a small card and handed it to Yurika. My uncle is a part-owner of this resort. His family, and their friends, can get a certain number of free trips per year. I didnt know you had an uncle. Neither did I. Ai pocketed the card again. Another product of this fantasy universe. Ruris head swiveled. Inez! What about-- Dont worry. Megumi was scratching her head. Uhhh...Inez, you read the same manga as Ruri? Ai chuckled. Hey! Yurika pointed up the hill. I thought this place was supposed to be deserted. Hm? Ai glanced up, to see a large crowd milling about the lodge. So much for peace and quiet, huh? Megumi grinned. Hey, this might work to our advantage, too. Maybe theres something interesting going on that we could get involved in. Ruri closed her eyes. Id rather not. Cmon, Ruri! Yurika yanked on her arm. Ruri resisted. Strenuously. No. I do not want to get involved. Perhaps the onsen-- Ai nodded. A good idea. Yurika, Megumi, lets go to the hot springs first. If you want, then we can investigate these goings-on.
* * * * *
I have some work for you. Work? Akito looked up. His memories were returning very slowly, and all he could remember at this time was that the man before him had shown him some kindness. The woman, on the other hand, he instinctively didnt trust. Yes. Prince Akara sat down before the man. You recall how to use a sword? Somewhat. Very well. I shall equip you with a weapon and armour, and dispatch you to Earth. There, a monster has been terrorizing a city. We want you to destroy the monster. Akito frowned. Cant you destroy the monster? I mean, Im not sure how good I am with a sword; I can barely remember ever using one. Well, I might be able to... Akara tilted his head. The monster in question has harmed many innocents, and seems to be controlled by some evil force. And you did, at one time, hunt such monsters. Surely it will help you remember your past. Akito considered this, then nodded. All right. Well see if it helps. He stood up. Ill do it. Excellent. Akara indicated a door. Through there youll find weapons and armour. Select whatever appeals to you, then go to the Library. I will join you shortly. Akito bowed, then walked through the door. My Lord, are you sure this is wise? Akara turned to Mie. What about it is unwise? We must know how skilled he is, and if he falls in battle, we are rid of him before he can do any damage. I mean, is it wise to lie to him? Akara spread his hands. I did not lie, my dear. I merely...misrepresented the facts. Then what monster are you sending him against? Akara grinned. Im fairly certain we have a few of Tsukumos OverGolems left in stock. If not...be creative.
* * * * *
Akito looked around the armoury. The room was a massive concrete bunker. A thin layer of rubber mesh covered the floor, to preserve footing no matter how wet the floor got. Racks along the walls held some of the deadliest weapons known to man. Guns, both slug-throwers and energy weapons, and their ammunition and power cells. Spears, glaives, every manner of sword, all composed of some crystalline substance. Several suits of black metallic armour hung on racks in the center of the room. Akito glanced at one case. What the heck is a Zombie Gerbil Gun? He popped open the case, but it was empty. He shrugged, and turned to the melee weapons. A jiann... He picked up the sword and considered it. It was a long, slender Chinese sword, with a small set of quillons to protect the hand. He hefted the weapon, and smiled. Yes, this seems familiar... He turned to the armour, and selected a suit of black leather armour with a high-necked, wrap-around cloak. The cloak came with an angular visor; he presumed it was to protect his eyes, but when he slipped it on, he discovered that it also augmented his vision. He smiled. Ready to kick monster butt. If only-- He hesitated. Who was it that crossed his mind. He couldnt remember the name...
* * * * *
Ruri sneezed. Catching a cold? No. Ruri pulled her legs up closer to her chest. I hope not. Megumi grinned. Last time you caught a cold, you lost all your memories. Inez and Yurika blinked. Ruri sighed. Perhaps then I should catch a cold. The hot springs had turned out to be completely empty; the four girls had the area to themselves. Inez, did you remember the sake? Inez scowled at Yurika. Do remember, we are only fourteen. But Im-- She paused. Oh, right. Megumi snickered. Maybe on the ship, you got to have sake-- Inez, Ruri, and Yurika blinked. Ah...ship? Yeah. The one your dad served on? Megumi looked puzzled. You told us your dad and you were posted overseas until just a few weeks ago... Oh...right. Yurika grinned sheepishly. That ship. I dont like sake anyway. The three girls looked at Ruri. Ruri continued to stare at her feet. I had it once. It tastes bad. Silence reigned for almost ten seconds. I have an idea. Inez grinned. My uncle is running a ski competition. I dont ski. Dont worry. The competition is strictly for total novices. I dont want to ski. Megumi elbowed the smaller girl. Oh, come on, Ruri. Itll be fun. No. it wont. Yurika scowled at Ruri. Look, we came out here to cheer you up. And youre not co-operating. She stabbed a finger into Ruris chest. Cheer up. Thats an order. Baka.
* * * * *
In the end, all of Ruris protests proved worthless. Getting her to the top of the ski hill and into a set of skis was simple: Just grab and drag. At forty kilos, including parka and boots, she was barely a load for any of the other three girls. This is a bad idea. Dont worry, Ruri. This is the easiest slope there is. Heck, even Yurika could probably manage it. Hey! Yurika pointed at Ruri. Shes way more clumsy than me. Ruri sighed. You should probably do a practise run before the actual competition. Ruri shook her head. I dont want to. Tough. Yurika gave Ruri a good hard shove, and Ruri found herself hurtling down the slope at breakneck speeds. Yurika! Inez stared at the other girl, aghast. You shouldnt have done that. Ruri had opened her mouth to yell at Yurika, but at the moment all she could manage were vowels. AIEEEEEEEE!!!! To her amazement, she had not yet managed to fall over. Just as well; at these speeds, even in the soft powder, the impact would most likely cripple her. In fact, she realized that she had some small amount of control over her headlong rush. A good thing too; there was an obstacle up ahead that she should dodge... OOOF! Too late. She shook her head and looked up to she what she had collided with. Big claws. White fur. Bloodshot eyes. Eep. She backpedaled as fast as she could. Luckily, her skis had been designed to break free if they twisted in an unusual manner; certainly, ramming a Yeti qualified as unusual. On top of the hill, Ai scowled. If I am not mistaken...that is a Golem. Golem? Yurikas eyes widened. Yes. To be exact, its an OverGolem. One of Tsukumos soldiers. But I thought-- Yurika glanced over, but Megumi wasnt paying any attention. Ai shrugged. I guess someone else figured out how to drive them. I gotta help her! Megumi snapped on her skis and started down the hill, ignoring Yurika and Ais objections.
* * * * *
Ruri fumbled for her Henshin as the Yeti slowly reached towards her. She quickly realized that she couldnt transform. Not here, on the side of a hill, in plain view of both innocent bystanders and an enemy. Maybe Sailor Moon could blow her cover like that and get away with it, but she couldnt. After all, this wasnt a Bishoujo Senshi anime. The Yeti grabbed her, pinning her arms to her side, and picked her up. She struggled, but had no leverage. She managed to kick it once in the chest, but the creature barely noticed. It drew her close to its face, sniffed her...and set her down. Ruri blinked. The creature wandered away, apparently looking for something. It had completely ignored her.
* * * * *
Well, at least with her out of the way, we can get into this fight. Mars Warrior Make-UP! Yurikas body was all a-glitter, no details visible to the eye. Flames seemed to dance around her, burning the clothing off of her, then reforming itself into a short red skirt, white bodysuit, thigh-height red boots, elbow-length red gloves and the bow at the back, red and white striped. Her hair lightened, and shifted to a flame-red colour. A silver tiara, with a single red gem centered in it, appeared on her brow. The Henshin lengthened and curved in on itself, becoming a silver bow. Mars Vanguard, Make-UP! Thunder crashed, and the Henshin exploded into a stream of electricity. The lightning bolts encircled and encased Ais body, forming into low golden boots, golden gloves, white jumpsuit and dark golden skirt. The tiara, with its topaz gem, formed on her brow, and the Henshin swelled to a golden hammer, two feet long. Flare Arrow! Yurika raised the bow, and pulled back the string. A flaming arrow appeared at her fingertips. She aimed at the golem, and let it fly. The arrow fell short by more than half. Oh, hell--out of range! I could use a Particle Blast...no. Ai shook her head in anger. Id hit Ruri, or possibly Megumi. We need to get closer, draw this thing into hand-to-hand combat. Hand to hand? With a Yeti? Are you nuts?
* * * * *
At the very least, theyd managed to get the Yetis attention. It turned and started lumbering towards them. ~It was looking for us. Good thing I didnt change.~ But she had to try to stop it. She ran up to it, and threw a punch into its back. Ow! And nearly broke her hand. Okay, scratch that idea. The Yeti reached down, and started gathering a large amount of snow in its paws. It stood up, and lobbed the giant snowball towards the two Soldiers on the hilltop Ruri glanced about, and her eyes fell on a ski pole. She scooped it up, and turned to throw it. And was promptly rammed by Megumi. OOF! Hey, Ruri. Im here to rescue you! Baka. Ruri stood back up. Get out of here. Not without you. Ruri grinned. Deja vu? Huh? Ruri gave Megumi a good solid shove, sending her down the hill. The force of the shove knocked her off balance, and she slipped and landed on her backside. Yurika and Ai had just arrived on scene, gasping for breath. Weve gotta finish this, before an innocent gets hurt! Blazing Slash! The massive sword glowed a dull red, and as Tuxedo Ken swung it, it left a trail of fire in the air. It struck the Yeti, taking its arm off just above the elbow. The creature screamed, and staggered back. The creature struck out at Tuxedo Ken, but its claws could find no purchase on his armour. He stepped back, and readied the sword. Yurika struck a dramatic pose. Foul creature, for interrupting this-- Ken snapped into movement, sword sweeping low. He swung around, the sword travelling in three tight circles, striking the creature at the knees, belly and neck. It vapourized long before it could hit the ground. The sword snapped around in a final, vertical sweep and came to rest back in its scabbard. Tuxedo Ken straightened, and turned to face Ruri. Are you all right? Ruri pulled herself to her feet. Yes. Im-- Tuxedo Ken leaned closer, a look of puzzlement on his face. Odd. I thought you were a Princess for some reason... He shrugged. Its okay, little girl. Youre safe now. Ruri blinked. Tuxedo Ken stepped back, and disappeared in a spray of crimson fire, leaving a crater in the snow where he had been standing. Who was that? Ruri looked over at Ai. It was Akito. Akitos all right? Yurikas eyes had hears in them...as usual. I knew hed make it! And he finally realized that youre just a little girl! Ruri shook slightly. She stepped over to Ai. May I borrow that? Be my guest. Ai handed the hammer Mjolner to the smaller girl.
* * * * *
I almost forgot... Ruri looked up. Mom, Dad and I were going to our lake cabin for a couple of days. Mom said I could invite some people to go. Yurika looked up from under the ice bag resting on her head. Youre inviting us? Well...she said I could only take two people... Megumi frowned. Only two? Yes. Im sorry, but even with two, someones going to have to sleep on the floor. For the first time in the conversation, Usagi spoke up. Ruri, dont you remember? We have the couch-- Yes. One person on the couch and one on the floor. But-- So, Yurika, youll have to stay behind. Yurika blinked. Me? Why me? Ruri grinned. This is a vacation cabin. Its traditional that we take turns cooking. Id like my parents to still be alive at the end of the week. Youre so mean! Usagi broke in before Yurika could reach full wail. Ruri, the couch is a hide-a-bed, remember? All three of the girls could use it. Ruris grin widened. Why, I had completely forgotten that. Thanks for reminding me, Mom.
* * * * *
Our apologies to: Sunrise Entertainment, Gainax, Nijisseiki Kitsune, LucasArts, Unix setserial, Pioneer Video, Big West, the District of Nerima, and to our readers for the extreme delay. DiC, on the other hand, owes us an apology. :) #include <std-cnc.h> Comments and Criticism can be sent to groves_ca@yahoo.co.uk or to kitsy@cogeco.ca. This story tends to be archived at both www.geocities.com/groves_ca and members.home.net/kitsy. Finally, there is a mailing list associated with this story. To subscribe, send mail to groves_ca@yahoo.co.uk with subscribe MGPR as the subject. Ja ne!