Previously, on Hunters: The team received its first real mission - protect a team of three Ladies from a "team" of assassins. There was a briefing Tuesday night, where the protectees and the team's strategy were discussed. And on Wednesday, they took the field for the first time, following the girls after school. Lady Wasabi was particularly easy (though expensive) to track, as she has a part-time apprenticeship at a local upscale sushi bar. The other two hung out together in the park. ...nothing happened... except that there were some police looking into a report of men with guns. They returned on Thursday, and much the same thing happened. A good meal for Darkmoon and his partner, while the others all parked in an open-air cafe watching the other pair. By Friday, this was starting to get tiresome. By Saturday, it was positively boring, except that Darkmoon was conspicuously absent, so more different team members got to eat well. Sunday was a little more hair raising, if only because lack of school meant that there was no schedule and watching the girls was an all-day task. ...so here we are. Monday afternoon. The local train station, where everyone is meeting for yet another day on the job. At least Darkmoon is back... [Monday, November 10, 2003, 14:45 local time] [session start] * Minami waves somewhat apathetically on seeing everyone. "Hello again..." * Lord_Darkmoon steps off the train, putting his tessen in its usual place in his belt, and looks around for everyone. He waves, but doesn't say anything. * Leena steps off the train, her face buried in an algebra book. * Taki leans against a nearby pillar with her arms crossed, quietly brooding to herself. * LadySakura was already here. * Kenji stands a step or two behind Taki, arms at his sides and only slightly slouching. * Leena doesn't look up from the book, muttering numbers to herself, and sits on a nearby bench. * LadySakura has on a generic jogging suit today. Not quite as nice as the other clothes you've seen her in, but it works. Hey, guys. Kyouko isn't going to make it today. * Minami sports her normal attire and her by-now-normal satchel. Is she okay? Yeah, just some scheduling conflicts. * Leena is in her school outfit, still. Oh, okay. * Kenji looks up shortly and scratches the back of his head, then nods and waits for further instructions. * Lord_Darkmoon looks relieved. "Good." He returns to his somber demeanor. Lucky her. With a group this large, I'm not sweating things if we're one short some days. Back to normal, Rin? Yes, Sakura. * Leena closes the algebra book with a muted paper clap, and holds her head tiredly. How about you, Leena - how are you doing? * LadySakura said that. * Taki looks a bit tired. She's wearing functional clothing, all black, but her outfit lacks her usually gothy flair. * Minami looks a little bored, but otherwise normal. I'm okay. ... * LadySakura shrugs. I know this gets boring, guys. * Leena catches the shrug, and looks up at Sakura. "Really, I am." * Taki nods at Sakura. "I understand." All right, teams. Darkmoon, you and Maya. * Kenji perks up his attention and stuffs his hands into the pockets of his new charcoal overcoat. Am I still watching Ruri? Yes. * Leena tucks the algebra book away into her backpack, and starts paying more attention. Leena, you're with me. * Lord_Darkmoon nods. "Very well." And Taki will take Kenji today. * Kenji sighs ambiguously and slouches back down where he stands. Minami, you'll be the floater, obviously. If things play out like they have, you'll stick with the moving groups, not the restaurant group. * Minami nods. "Got it." ...let's go, then. * Leena stands up, and nods. * Taki nods. * Taki motions for Kenji to follow her. * LadySakura smiles encouragingly at the group, then power-walks away. * Minami follows. * Kenji turns to face Taki. "..." *Follows* * Lord_Darkmoon nods, and heads off towards the school's exit, Maya in tow. He'll pick her up there. He's actually dressed for the restaurant today, in a nice, button down shirt, and slacks. * Leena lets a small, unenthusiastic "Wai." come out, and follows. * Taki moves quickly towards the school, blending in easily with the crowds outside. It's getting colder out - the sky is overcast today, and you can see some rain in the distance, shrouding the north side of the metropolitan area in mist. * Kenji does his usual follow-the-leader routine and tries to keep an eye on the scenery whenever possible. * Taki has on a lightweight black overcoat to keep her warm. * LadySakura looks more nervous today, for some reason. Dangit. Problem? What's wrong? ? I hate winter. Why? I like the cold. Any particular reason, other than static? Yes, but everyone is wearing coats. You can conceal anything under a coat. Ohhh. Good point. Anything at all. Oh, well. So our chance of discovering them beforehand just went from 'low' to 'nil'? Something like that. Then I shall try to stay on top of the situation. We- uh, just need to be more careful.. I can send a dog with the others to try to smell gunpowder or something... * LadySakura slows her pace as she reaches the street facing the school. This time, she stops in the cafe, and orders a very large coffee. It shouldn't be a problem, if Ruri gets to work okay. Hmm. That would be something to try if you have a chance. * LadySakura checks her watch. "Places, people, the bell's about to ring." * LadyNightshade sits with Sakura and orders a triple espresso whassit with lots of froofy things. * LadyNightshade gets it to go. * Lord_Darkmoon has Maya watch the entrance while he sits on a bench and holds his head as if he's got a headache. "Come..." * LordChimera walks up to the coffee bar and looks at the menu but doesn't order anything. * LadyMallet doesn't order anything, and just waits. * LadyRoyal swings by the coffee place and gets a biscotti to nibble on and a mint hot chocolate to sip. And, indeed, the bell does ring. The students pile out of the building at a somewhat slower pace today - they have to get their coats before leaving the building. ...time passes, and the wind picks up, and the protectees don't come out. ... * Lord_Darkmoon looks up when a street mutt walks up and nudges his knees. He leans down to whisper something in the dog's ear, then looks up to rejoin Maya. * LadyNightshade looks at Sakura. Uh-- I didn't see them.. ...great. ...uh-oh... ....hm. ah? uh- I'm sorry, I'll try harder from now on. * LadyMallet keeps watch. "Maybe they're staying inside to study. It is cold out." They've not left the school yet? oh-- *shuts up* I don't think they have. There is a back entrance, but it's not supposed to be used by students unless the place is on fire. Shall I go check it? * LadySakura thinks about that one for a little while. * LordChimera looks over to Nightshade, unsure. ...no. Not yet. * LadyNightshade nods. * LordChimera goes back to watching the school yard and surrounding cityscape. I could also check inside the school... No. Definitely not. They won't see me... ...why not? She can go undetected, and it would verify that they're in there...or not. * Lord_Darkmoon seems curious, more than argumentative. ...Minami, grab the credit card from Darkmoon and check out the restaurant. * LadyRoyal nods. "Okay." * Lord_Darkmoon hands off said card. * LadyRoyal takes it and flips it in her sleeve in a smooth motion and trots off to the restaurant. It's too big a building. She could easily miss them, and be out of position. Are you thinking that maybe they got out early-- maybe? * Lord_Darkmoon nods. "I see. ...I really wish I could control more than one animal at a time." He shakes his head in mild frustration. Maybe. Or maybe they have a club activity. Wish Heat had came. Could of heated up some water bottles to stay warm with. ...actually, Darkmoon, could you call up some animal that could look around the school? We should do something... Uh... if they were in trouble we'd be able to tell from here, right? with a Ningyo I mean.. * Lord_Darkmoon nods, and sits on a bench, doing his headache impression again. But, instead of closing his eyes, the irises and pupils are covered by purple images of the moon, and he stares blankly at his knees. Say... when's the last time a Ningyo's struck around here? If there was a Ningyo, there would be people running, screaming, from the school. * LadyRoyal reaches the restaurant and stands around looking at the menu, trying to peer inside. okay-- Minami can see most of the bar/counter from where she is, and Lady Wasabi is not there. I've got a mouse. This classroom's empty...going looking now. I'll tell you if I see anything of note. *voice distant, distracted...when he goes silent, it's obviously due to intense concentration* * LadyRoyal radios back under her breath. "Wasabi's not at the restaurant, Sakura." ...right. Come on back, then. * LadySakura angsts visibly. I could check the perimeter of the school. Maybe I shoulda had some people on the houses. I'm so not used to having this many people... ...and just as Sakura looks as if she is ready to invade the school, the three girls come out. We should do something... Sitting here isn't going to get us anywhere. ! *blink* ... Oh hey. * LadyMallet points. "Here they come." * LadyRoyal returns, handing the card back to Darkmoon. Well, that was anticlimactic. I'm more worried about the weather. Positron is clutching some papers and looking rather despondent. Her friends look like they're trying to cheer her up, and not doing so well. * Lord_Darkmoon doesn't notice Royal's attempt to return the card...he's rather non-responsive at the moment. * LadyRoyal gives up after a few tries and sleeves the card again, waiting for a better time. The three girls stop as they exit the front gate, as if they're unsure what the plan is. * LadyNightshade gets up with her mocha-cappa-frappa whatever in hand and moves into to tail the girls. * LordChimera trods out after her. After some chatter, Neko and Wasabi grab Positron by her arms and drag her away, but not in the usual direction. Okay, break up and follow. ...looks like they have a different plan today, so stay sharp. * LadySakura gets up and walks off, taking the opposite side of the street from the girls. * LadyMallet follows, and whispers softly, mantra-like, "Please don't be heading to the rain, please don't be heading to the rain..." * LadyRoyal nods and turns to leave, then notices Darkmoon still standing still, and pokepokes him a little. "Uh, Darkmoon?" ...huh? *blinks, losing the moons, and looks up* Stay back and be careful Kenji. We don't want them noticing you. We're starting to tail them now. You and Maya had better get started. Here's the card back, by the way. Taki, try to get out in front of them. * LadyNightshade effortlessly circles through the crowd to the other side of the trio. Affirmative. * Lord_Darkmoon takes the card. "Oh, thanks." * LadyMallet takes the opposite side of the street as Sakura. * LordChimera has a more trouble keeping up than Nightshade does, but tries his best to stay within a reasonable distance. * LadyRoyal waits for all the groups to head out, then comes up a little behind and flanking the girls. The girls have gone around the front side of the school grounds now, and turn south. As you follow, you see the street sloping slightly downwards - they're heading towards the river. Uh-- I- Taki? * LadyNightshade tries to give street directions as discretely as possible to anyone (Kenji) who might get lost. * LordChimera stops making lost-sounding noises over the comm. * LadyRoyal narrows her eyes as she sees where the girls are headed, and keeps an eye open on the surroundings, and surrounding buildings, leaving the actual girl-tracking to the people who are directly watching them. * Lord_Darkmoon and Mysteria start walking along, going at a slightly oblique angle to the trio they're tailing, and try to look like they're having a conversation. Darkmoon's clothes seem to have become less formal at some point. The weathers right... I bet the team that's after them knows it, too. They can't be _looking_ for one... They might just not be thinking. * LadyNightshade tries to get close enough to the girls to pick up their conversation. There are more apartments and factories in this direction, and so the street traffic is somewhat scruffier than north in the town center. Lots of men walking around, a lot of company vans and heavy trucks. If nothing else, from what Sakura's said, this should draw out their pursuers. Let's be as sharp as we can. ...and this is not a good neighborhood to be walking in... No obvious threats, though - no Yakuza around today. Looks like a rough area....remember to keep an open eye for snipers and drive-bys, too. Yes, ma'am. * LordChimera was so busy trying to keep up that he'd half-forgotten to keep a lookout. "ah-- Right." Taki slows her pace, and the girls begin to catch up to her. She begins to pick out snippets of conversation, and it's clear that Positron is upset about her test score, and the lecture she got from the teacher after school. The other two girls are taking her to some hangout she likes, trying to make her feel better. * LadySakura angles in closer to the girls as she sees the river approaching. * LadyNightshade notes this. * LadyMallet notes the river, and sighs. "I will be very surprised if this stakeout lasts another day." I have a bad feeling-- ... Excellent! Then we can get to another stakeout. There are a few other students in the vicinity. As you get down to the riverfront, there is a cluster of businessmen looking over a construction site. At the river, there are docks. Lots of docks. And lots of bulky dock workers. * LadyNightshade looks about for possible clubs or karaoke bars or someplace that girls like to hang out at. There is a park to one side of the docks, and a glass building beyond that, with neon lights and happy music faintly emanating from it. * LordChimera scans over the people present for anything suspicious. * LadyNightshade examines the building. * LadyMallet generally keeps an eye out, on Sakura, the girls, and for anyone who might be waving around a gun and saying 'Hi! I'm a sniper!" No one really stands out, though Chimera thinks he sees a few guys with knives at the docks to the west. * Lord_Darkmoon continues to do his best to watch everything without being conspicuous. And hopes the dog he talked to earlier is around, keeping its nose sharp for gunpowder. Huh? Uh-- The dog whines, as it thinks it senses something, but can't localize a direction. See something, Kenji? The girls turn east, and make a beeline straight for the glass building. I believe they're heading to the club on the other side of the park. Er-- I saw some knives, but they look like they're just dockworkers... Okay... Minami, do you still have the card? Hm. They'd probably know that knives wouldn't affect us. No, I gave it back to Darkmoon. * LadyNightshade scans the crowd around the club. Okay, then, Darkmoon, you and Maya follow them inside if that's where they go. Yes, ma'am. Just a note, there might be someone with gunpowder on them about. *indicates the dog's whining and sniffing* ...it might be sensing me. Or... well. The rest of us will spread out through the park. * Lord_Darkmoon sets off following the girls. "True...I'm going to have to train one for this work, I think." That's something to consider. * LordChimera catches up to Nightshade and stops. "uh-- ... hi." *tries to act inconspicuous.* * LadyRoyal nods, though probably no-one can see her. "Got it." The three Ladies go into the glass building, which seems to be equal parts arcade and ice cream parlor. * LadyNightshade looks awkwardly at Chimera. "Hi..." * LordChimera shrugs. * LadyMallet looks in Darkmoon and Maya's direction enviously. Huh. Maybe Wasabi doesn't work today? Or she's being irresponsible. *muttered* I wish I had had a chance to be irresponsible. You live with the hand you're dealt I don't blame you. *only Mysteria can see his brief smirk* If this gets settled today... I'm going there until they close. Well, maybe if we get good enough, you can take days off. Well, go in, you two. Enjoy yourself. * LadyNightshade takes up a position outside the arcade, pretending to have an uninteresting conversation with Kenji. * LadyRoyal goes into the park, as ordered. * Lord_Darkmoon is already on his way. "Much as I'd like to, I don't think we can afford to have too much fun." :/ * LadyMallet (grudgingly) heads to the park. *to the dog* Stay out here, there's a good boy. * LadySakura finds a park bench, and pulls out the December '03 "Guns and Ammo". Just keep it up, you're doing a good job. */to the dog* * LadyMallet goes for the base of one of the trees, and sets her backpack down next to her. She opens it, stares inside it for a second, then turns her gaze back to the building longingly. ...and so a cold half-hour passes for the unfortunates outside, while those inside are continually assaulted by a barrage of canned music and arcade machines turned to maximum volume. * LadyRoyal huddles in close with the remnants of her mint hot chocolate and a nice post where she can see the river and the buildings around the arcade/ice cream place. * LadyNightshade quietly sips her coffee while she makes Kenji ramble on about something so she can look around like she's disinterested. * Lord_Darkmoon does buy an ice-cream cone for himself and Maya, since they're supposedly to be here to have fun. ...the ice cream is good, too. Positron seems to enjoy it, anyway, and she begins to smile a little. The three Ladies all fail miserably at some DDR, then go over to the "Princess Fighter 3 Turbo" machine for some brawling fun. * LadyMysteria is, well, enjoying the ice cream cone. Judging by the big, giddy smile on her face, anyway. "Thanks again." ^^ * LordChimera tries to imitate Taki to an extent in order to ramble about movie plots she's made him watch. 'Welcome. *small smile as he scans the crowd* It's mostly teens inside the arcade - lots of school uniforms. Some older factory workers from other shifts, but they're all engrossed in arcade games. * LadyMysteria looks around, working on today's not-quite-frozen treat. "What a day, what a day." * Lord_Darkmoon nods. "Uh-huh..." The arcade building is set on a corner of the river, so it the ice cream parlor has a gorgeous view of the surroundings. You can see the docks at one end of the scene, but it doesn't ruin the beauty of it. ... and it just has to be by the docks. I don't wanna sound like a killjoy, but... y'know... In a little bit, if nothing happens, we can send a couple more of you in. * LadyRoyal nods noncommittally. Affirmative. Already thought it. Water everywhere... * LordChimera finishes reciting the plot of Sleepy Hollow. And here I thought you weren't playing attention. :P Look at it this way. If it happens, they'll fight it, and we can get those we came for shortly after. Then we're done with this one. * LadyMysteria nods slowly. "Yeah. Just hoping we do our job right, is all." And then I'm staying at the arcade and having some -fun- until it closes. * LordChimera stops talking and shrugs. "Matrix next?" Though these three don't seem too bad, from what we've seen of them. * LadyNightshade almost-smiles. "Yeah, sure." - and a humongeous *crack* resounds through the neighborhood, as a geyser punches through one of the docked boats. The boat fireballs a second later, blasting workers in all directions. Suddenly, everyone is running. ... it's time. That's their cue... Everyone, eyes open. * LadyMallet looks up, but doesn't much act to do anything about it, and starts looking around. * Lord_Darkmoon grabs Mysteria's hand and joins in the running. But to somewhere that they can get a better view and watch for others not-running, rather than away. * LadyRoyal looks for who isn't running. Aside from us, of course. * LordChimera was almost to the good part of The Matrix, too. * LadyMysteria quickly finishes up her ice cream and digs around in her pocket, fading back so as to keep an eye our for anyone not fleeing while... looking like she's running, too. The girls look up, and out at the explosion. They don't even discuss it, just burst out the door and sprint for the docks. They detour into some thicket in the park, and emerge, transformed. * LadyNightshade blends in with the running crowd and looks for people who look like they were waiting for this to happen. Go towards it, but DO NOT ENGAGE. Yes, ma'am! Everyone is running - no one is not. That said, there are lots of people running towards the docks, not just away. * Lord_Darkmoon moves to follow the girls, keeping his eyes peeled, as the saying goes. He does _try_ to stay unnoticed by them, but looks for others who might not be fleeing, still. Especially any making moves towards vantage hiding spots. * LordChimera follows Nightshade as best he can, half-gliding in stride, for once looking committed. * LadyRoyal heads into cover and starts trying to make her way past the fleeing people. * LadyMallet stands up, and starts jogging towards the scene. * LadyMysteria does as directed, frowning a little. "Yes, ma'am!" * LadyNightshade makes her way back through the crowd, towards the girls. "I'm on them." Some school children are running, probably just to rubberneck. There are a few policemen, and some businessmen, and other passers-by. * LadyNightshade tries not to look directly at Lady Neko. Lady Neko leads the three girls, and they are all at the docks in seconds, in time to see the Ningyo finishing some sort of silly speech about the cold cold waters drowning the Earth. Just like the games hunting Sakura. Find them before they attack the girls. *muttering to himself, as if trying to keep focussed and keep cool, like a mantra, as his eyes shift about quickly, looking for people who might be up to no good, or for where he thinks Sakura might try to shoot from, were she after the girls.* * LadyMysteria mutters, "Do they always have to be so stupidly melodramatic?" Now now, Maya, it gives us time to spot the target. Move to surround the scene. Watch your back. Cover the girls, and good luck to all of you. * LadyMysteria isn't too far from Darkmoon, eyes peeled and darting around. "Still..." Right. Time to get a' hunting. * LadyRoyal stays somewhere where she doesn't have to worry about things coming up behind her, keeping her lids peeled. * Lord_Darkmoon moves to comply with Sakura's orders, knuckles of his right hand white as he clutches the tessen tightly. Lady Positron stops short, and replies. "You picked the wrong day to pick a fight, sea-trash, because I'm pissed off! I can't blow up my trigonometry teacher, but I can annihilate you! DIE, Ningyo, in the name of the Queen of the Earth!" * LadyNightshade scans the surround area carefully, looking for spots a possible ambush might come from. * LadyMallet tries to squeeze to the front lines, looking for anyone who's calm or expecting this while doing so. * LadySakura runs to the far side of the fight, grabbing her gun within her jacket, but not pulling it out. * LordChimera looks around spastically * LadyMysteria has her hand on her wand, but haaasn't quite pulled it yet. She's muttering something under her breath along the lines of 'stay frosty'... It's strange, the way people seem to have gathered around the scene - it's almost as if they're here to enjoy the fight. * LadyMallet grumbles to herself, "They always ran away from my fights..." None of them look terribly threatening, though. * LadyRoyal hisses at the sight of all those people, and changes her focus to any visible hiding places. * LadyNightshade has Kenji hold back behind the crowd, watching for anyone approaching the area. Well, you're a collateral damage threat, Leena... * Lord_Darkmoon performs a remarkably similar hiss and focus-change to Royal's, though he keeps an eye on the people, too. * LadyMysteria smiles faintly. Behind you, Positron lights off, not even calling her attack. A wad of something impossible zips towards the Ningyo, and it is blasted into the air. * LadyMysteria is still looking around, but it affording herself a moment of humor... and then she sees Positron's attack. "... whoa." Impressive. But there are worse. That thing may not be down yet. Lady Neko makes an astounding leap to meet it at apogee, and shreds the poor woman from the sea as it falls. * LordChimera complies and sticks to the rear of the crowd while trying to get his head together and scanning the area. Neko bounces away as they land, and Wasabi walks over and casually performs a spicy coup de grace. * LadyNightshade notes Neko's complete lack of style. ...they're pretty good. I still can't see anything! Now's when the bad guys will probably come out. *redoubles his searching* That was pretty quick. No kidding... wow. Even with all these people? Someone check the routes back too. They might not be willing to hit while all these people are still here, but there aren't that many ways away from the docks.... The girls take a moment to pose... True... they know what they look like, now. They might try to ambush them when they detransform. * LadyNightshade keeps her eyes on the areas she deems to be the best hiding spots. Well-- Eyes open, everyone... Not...necessarily. Remember, it's hard for non-MGs to see through our transformations. They can follow them, though. And wait for a better time. ...and a group of businessmen burst through the line of spectators, which was already breaking up. --shit. ?! Wait... we gotta make sure... Yeah, I know. * LadyMysteria is white-knuckling her wand at this point. * LadyMallet resists the urge to try and trip one of them. It's three guys in suits. One of them has two pistols out, the other two are lifting submachineguns. * LadyRoyal ambles closer, flipping out a few cards regardless. * LadyNightshade beelines right for the business men. Well, I'm pretty sure now, how about you all? * LordChimera stops in his tracks and looks out towards the ocean. "Something's coming-" * LadyMallet waits for them to pass her, then goes to tackle the closest one. Oh yeah! The man with the pistols points both of them while on the run, and fires carefully at the Ladies on the dock. No... *the tessen flashes into a naked katana as he pushes off of the bench he'd been standing on, charging in, hoping he's not too far, or too late* He was aiming for Lady Positron, and one of the shots hits her in the chest, laying her out on the dock. The other two ladies scream, and look down at her. * LadyMallet doesn't change her course... and goes to tackle one of the machine- gunners to the ground. * LadyMallet lets out a small cry as she misjudges the distance, and eats his dust. * LadyNightshade blends in with her surrounding as she charges at the guy with the pistols. Sakura, I'm going to need some flower cover. No, this is too much of a mess. Won't work. I can give you--uh? * LordChimera double-takes between the fighting and the far end of the docks. "Guys-- There's definitely something coming from the other end there--" Nightshade gets up close and attacks the guy, grabbing for his head... and somehow he senses it at the last second and twists away. ...what? * LadySakura squeezes off some harassment fire, barely even trying to aim, then spins to face west at the rest of the dock area. * LadyNightshade curses under her breath as she rolls out of herself and takes up a fighting stance. Magic-- from the other side there... I'm sure of it. * LadyRoyal runs towards the submachinegoons, and whips a few cards at the nearest one. A card slices right through the meat of one's thigh, severing bone and artery. He pitches forward onto his face as blood fountains from the wound, then lies there, shaking. * Lord_Darkmoon is charging towards the dual-pistoleer, katana pointing downwards and behind him at an angle, and a look of pure cold rage accompanying a silent snarl on his face. There's too many spectators. If I flower the area, it'll be too easy to hit them. We need to get these people out of here... I don't think there's time... At the sound of gunfire, the crowd is screaming and starting to disperse. It's really chaotic. * LordChimera gulps audibly as he goes into a flat out run towards the girls, forgetting to be awkward. Funny how they want to see people fight with magic, but guns scare them shitless. ... I won't forgive you for this! How *DARE* you try to snuff out a brave soul's life?! MYSTERY STAR GUN... * LadyNightshade mumbles "God I hate people." * LadyMysteria strikes a mighty pose as she spins her wand, then levels it at the pistolero, holding it with both hands. "... SHOOT!" Cue one fast-as-sin burst of prismatic light screaming from the tip, spraying sparkles everywhere. The blast catches the pistolero in the shoulder, half-spinning him around, but somehow he keeps his feet and keeps moving. ... dammit! The guy still standing with an Uzi sprays it at the cluster of Ladies on the dock. Lady Neko, just looking back up at the commotion, takes one in the calf and goes down herself. * Lord_Darkmoon 's eyes narrow dangerously when Neko's hit. Quit picking on little girls, you... fucks! * LadyMallet lets out a choked "NO-" at the sound of more gunfire. Rrrrr... ...and then you hear even more uzis, from further down the docks. You sense that a lot of lead just missed, but two more rounds catch Neko in the side as she pitches over. The catgirl is not looking too good. Shit, there's more! Over here! * LadyNightshade maintains her calm, but is trying to intimidate the guys. ... more?! The guy with the pistols has come to a stop, realizing he's under attack from unexpected directions. He picks out the trail of Mysteria's attack, and aims for her. What the-- * LordChimera continues his sprint. *quietly* "faster.. faster.. faster.." * LadyMysteria blinks, then quickly holds the wand out as she spots the pistolman aiming on her. It starts spinning as maddening speed, elongating a bit to form a sort of shield that stops the bullet coming her way. "Ghn... why you..." * LadyMallet flips to her feet from he failed tackle, and just goes to punch the other machine-gunner in the back. Twice. ...but has to run to do it, and whiffs badly. * LadyNightshade charges at the third gunman who thought he could out run her. She catches him in a two-hit combo after the first swing goes wide. * LadySakura kneels into a classic aiming position, and very carefully doubletaps another subgunner as he sprints by her. He goes down in a bloody heap, while a friend with a similar gun and a guy with a sword charge in towards the bigger melee. Some help over here!!! *over the comm, straining* faster.. faster.. faster.. We need some distraction to improve our position! Getting there! ... nnngh... this can't be happening... Stay cool, Maya. * LadyRoyal stops running for a sec to hold her hands out, placing her index fingers and thumbs together to form a triangle in the vague direction of the incoming goons. A flurry of cards shoots out at them. The guy with a sword casually tilts it to one side, and somehow absorbs the card that otherwise would have hit him. The subgunner is just plain lucky - the cards sail by and trash a speedboat behind them. Dammit! * Lord_Darkmoon charges in, sword shifting to swing towards the two-gunman's neck. As he does so, he shouts with all the command his lordly self can muster: Lady Wasabi! Kill the swordsman and the two machine-gunners with him! *he points with his sword after he misses the two-gunner horribly* * LordChimera bears down his head and continues pumping his legs as quickly as he can towards towards the girls. "Faster.. faster.. faster.." * LadyMysteria focuses on the pistol-packing man and scowls, so pissed off that she doesn't even scream the attack name, just shooting a stream of colorful ribbon from her wand at him. Odd, how they train on him like a missile swarm... ...and normally, he'd be all packaged up for Christmas. ...but somehow, this guy manages to trip out of their way as they are about to ensnare him. One ends up coiled rather uncomfortably about his left leg and waist, but it's not holding him very well... ... how in the... * LadyMysteria looks absolutely stunned. The guy Taki just slugged sprays his uzi at the Ladies one more time, but is off balance and his shots end up landing somewhere across the river. The new subgunner is not so impaired, though, and blasts away at Lady Royal. A couple of rounds catch her, and she is knocked back on her rump. She blinks in surprise, both at the pain, and the fact that she's still conscious. ...oof. Well. * LadyRoyal lies there wincing. The pistolero spins to face the nearest attacker, which would be Lord Darkmoon, and blasts away. He spun a bit too far, though, inhibited by the ribbon, and misses. The man with the sword sprints into the fight. (He'll be in melee with all of you at the end of this round.) Royal! You still okay? * LadyRoyal hisses her reply. "F-fine..." * LadyMallet goes over to kick the tied-up pistolero, and goes to punch him square in the gut. The follow-up punch with the other fist goes just shy, though. He folds over, then looks up in pain, disgust on his face. Fall down already! * LadySakura takes aim at the remaining uzi guy, and just clips him. * LadyNightshade follows up her previous attack by delivering an strike to the mid-section, with a quick blow to the head, taking the guy down. * LadyNightshade turns her attention to the last gunner that's still up. Lady Wasabi jerks to an erect stance, and scans the scene around her for targets. She's not quite sure who Darkmoon meant, though, so she holds her fire for the moment. * LadyRoyal grits her teeth and pulls herself up. * Lord_Darkmoon turns to face the man with two guns once more, and executes a vertical cut. Darkmoon misses, rather badly. This is getting embarrassing. * LordChimera guns it flat-out and skids to a halt a foot or two away from the girls. Grunting, he turns towards the oncoming attackers and assumes some sort of stance. * LadyMysteria takes a deep breath before sending another Mystery Star Gun the pistolero's way. She's far too pissed/rattled to even try doing the posing and shouting now. A burst of light punches a hole in the gunman's chest. He goes down, messing Darkmoon's shoes. * LadyMysteria promptly shudders and looks away. The guy Royal carded earlier pulls himself up on one elbow, and fires at Taki. The gets hit in the upper shoulder - more painful than damaging or deadly, but certainly unpleasant. The other subgunner stops at the periphery of the fight, and sprays at the targets he was sent here for. Wasabi, standing up, gets clipped, but stays up. * LadyNightshade curses and reflexively puts a hand up on her shoulder. The sword guy charges into the melee, and executes a complex-looking attack as he reaches Mysteria. The first swipe misses, but she's forced to try to block the second with her wand. ...the sword and the wand spark in a blue-and-gold explosion of light, and the wand goes flying away from her. The sword is deflected, just barely, and instead of cutting her head off it simply removes about five centimeters of scalp from her forehead. * LadyMysteria yelps loudly, first at being disarmed and then at the loss of skin. * LordChimera grinds his teeth as his eyes widen, half-crazed. ... I'll... I'll never give up against the likes of you! EVER! * LadyMallet looks silently at the swordsman, her two-toned eye's blazing with anger. "You...." She leaps at him with blind, uncontrolled punches. "JUST GO AWAY!" Mallet runs in and swings away once more. It's a good thing she didn't come close, because if he'd blocked with that sword... The crowd has pretty much all scattered by now. You're beginning to hear police sirens in the relative distance... * LadyNightshade shrugs off her pain and charges at the one downed gunner who shot at her. He sidesteps, and she misses by a hair. * LadySakura decides it's too close a shot to risk firing at the sword guy, so she plugs the gunner Taki just missed. This time, she has a second to aim, and his head explodes in a burst of grey and red. * LadyRoyal holds one hand to where she was hit, and flings several cards at the remaining gunner with the other. * LadyNightshade eyes the sword guy. "Stay out of Swordy's range! He's dangerous!" The card goes right into the gunner's skull, and lodges there, permanently mucking things up. He collapses silently. *Forced* He reeks of Sea Magic-- Understood. What?! No... ... sea magic?! He Stinks! * LadyMysteria sounds extremely nervous, it should be noted. Well, we've gotta take him down somehow! Mysteria, can you pin him? Wasabi. Taki. Get the two wounded girls out of here NOW. Chimera, Sakura, take our wounded and go. *gestures with his katana to indicate who he's taking to* You *turns to Swordy*, you're MINE. *drops to defensive, not attacking yet, just ready to do so if he makes a move that would leave him open, such as attacking anyone else* GO! ...now, if they were anyone else, the girls would ignore such a completely braindead order. ...but they're all Ladies, and he's a Lord, and he really *meant* it. And they - mostly - can't resist. He's too strong for you! What are you thinking? * LadySakura stands automatically, then shakes herself, and looks pissed off. Not planning on staying _that_ long, if you'd just RUN! I tried... but I can try again... What's going to prevent him from chasing us? * LadyNightshade hesitates, but moves toward the girls. * LordChimera stares at Darkmoon, then down at Neko, a constipated frown growing over his face. Lady Wasabi lifts Lady Neko easily. She sprints east, into the park. * LadyNightshade helps Positron then if she has too... * LadyMallet watches Swordy/Darkmoon, but forces her gaze away. "Fine..." And goes to help out the wounded. Positron is shakily starting to get up, and nods thanks to Taki for the help. * LadyNightshade stops by Chimera. "Help him. Please." * LadyRoyal takes a few steps back, but shakes herself and glares. "I'm one of the only ones who can catch him without getting in close, you *idiot*!" * LordChimera inhales sharply and jerks his vision to Taki as she goes by. "I-- ... Aaahh.. DAMN IT!" * LadyNightshade gets Positron out of the area as quickly as she can, and tries to make it back. * LadyMysteria homes in on her wand and snaps it up, moving *away* from the swordsman in the meantime and more towards the others. ... sea magic... Ningyo or betrayer of humanity? Which are you? * LadyMallet keeps up with the fleeing people, glancing behind her every so often. "Idiot..." The swordsman turns and eyeballs Darkmoon, then sneers at the boy. "I'm just a man doing a job. You can die, now." * LordChimera stays behind, not moving - face downturned and fists clenched. "..." Lord Darkmoon is caught by surprise as the assassin flows into action - he slices Darkmoon twice, though doesn't quite gut the poor lord. Darkmoon can't quite handle the pain, though, and slumps over. .... NO! Dammit! Fuck. * LadyMallet turns back sharply. Idiot... * LadyNightshade urges Positron to move faster. "You think maybe you can make it on your own?" * LadyMallet curls one fist sharply, and looks like she would love to go back in there. Darkmoon, if you live through this, you're DEAD! Twice over. * LadyMysteria looks like she REALLY wants to do something to help, but it torn between safety and her heart from the looks of things. "... Darkmoon..." ... damn it... * LadySakura takes as good of aim as she can, and shoots. * LadyMallet frowns, and looks up, opening the MalletPortal. "Gotta try... he'll be coming after us next." Sakura, now would be as good of time as anyway for some distracting cover... Her first shot goes wide, but the second one is dead on. The man twirls the sword to try to block... and the bullet smashes *through* the sword, breaking off the last sixty centimeters of it, and mildly wounding the man. * LadyRoyal flings another card at the guy. * LadyRoyal watches the card "thunk" into the guy, dropping him to the ground. * LadyMallet closes the MalletPortal before anything comes out, and sits down heavily. * LadyNightshade gets Positron over to where the rest of her team went. Wasabi apparently took the orders to heart - she made a beeline OUT of there, and towards a nearby hospital. * LadyRoyal just stands there stunned, letting the adrenaline start to work itself out of her system, then leaps to her feet with a loud whoop. "Mission FRICKIN' accomplished! YES!" * LadyMysteria looks ready to let loose another Star Gun at the downed swordsman, blood from her by-now-healed forehead caked on her nose. "..." * LadyRoyal then slumps down and coughs, holding her wound again. "...ow, though." * LadyMallet stops at the park. You idiot... Positron thanks Nightshade brusquely, then takes off, by herself. * LadyRoyal turns to Sakura. "Now what?" * LadyMallet turns her back, and continues following the rest. * LadySakura strides over to the swordsman, and shoots him several times. * LordChimera stands in place, motionlessly staring at the ground now that the fighting seems to have stopped. * LadyNightshade looks at Positron and back at Wasabi. "Good luck with uh... getting shot and all..." ... thank you, Sakura. ....ohhh. Now we get the fuck out of here before the police arrive. * LadyMysteria exhales loudly and lowers her arms, half-shaking at this point as she gets *away* from the scene. * LadyRoyal nods. "Right...right." * LadyNightshade runs back over to where Darkmoon and KICKS him. You dumbass! Everyone, you hear? Meet back at my place. Stop it. Help me carry him out. * Lord_Darkmoon groans in pain. R-right... * Ked grabs Darkmoon's arms. * LadyNightshade helps Darkmoon up after that. Is the swordsman still alive? We might be able to question him... * LadySakura does. Not any more, he isn't. * LadyRoyal hefts Darkmoon up as much as she can, and then lets everyone else take him who's taking him. Let's go. * Lord_Darkmoon 's eyes flash silver, but return to normal. He can't quite stand on his own yet. I can't believe you... Don't be so stupid! You could died! *tears stream down her face* S-sorry? Come on, let's go. If you ever use your lordly powers on me again... Don't anyone detransform. [end session]