Hey everyone. This is yet another sequal story in my long Motoko/Keitaro saga which is composed of Compassionate Swordplay, Love's Sharp Blade, Moving Forward, You Have me, Song of the Nightingale, Night Shadows, and Thirst. This will be the eighth installment in the saga. This story was actually cowritten by myself and Mr. Lee. This is the first story I've ever cowritten with anyone, so I'm sort of in new territory here. I think its very fun and exciting to be working with someone else on a story. So lets give much respect to Mr. Lee as well:) I hope you enjoy the story and please look forward to the next chapter soon.

Disclaimer: Love Hina is owned and created by Ken Akamatsu.

Pandora's Box

Chapter I:

Blood on my hands

From the overcast sky above, the white flakes of snow quietly tumble through the air as it is carried by the winds of Hokkaido. The snow gently lands on several new grave stones on the property of a private estate near the mountains of central Hokkaido. A man with short spiked silver hair stands before them. His face was awash with sorrow as he looked down at each of the stones.

A single vertical scar marked his right eye. The scar was a deep red, which stood out against his pale skin. He was older but appeared to be well built in physique. He wore a white military style trench coat that moved slightly with each gust of wind. Underneath, he wore a black uniform. Over his left breast was a silver insignia depicting a wolf with its head raised, howling. The same symbol was shown in black on the left arm of his coat. It is the crest of the White Wolves, an organization that he leads with great pride.

He felt the icy cold of the snow at his feet, even through his black leather tactical boots. He knelt down silently before the graves. Buried beneath the snow-covered earth at his knees lay his comrades, comrades he had lost very recently. During his lifetime, he has lost many comrades. Many of which had families and friends of their own. Many of which shared his dream of a peaceful world. Many of which didn't have to die.

He hung his head for a moment. He took a deep breath and slowly let it out, trying to find the words that he felt he needed to say in this most vulnerable of moments. He then raised his head and spoke.

"My friends…my precious kin, I am at a loss as to how to express my sorrow at this moment. I can only say that I am beside myself. Though my clan indeed holds me in such high regard, I am not invincible. Even I have my moments where I feel…powerless. I've come to realize now more than ever the terrible truth; that I cannot be everywhere at once and some horrible acts cannot be foreseen, nor prevented. But let me assure you that those responsible for this tragedy will realize the consequences of their actions. I will personally make sure of that. All I ask is that you as well as my family in heaven forgive me for what I need to do…"

He stood up and bowed to the graves, giving these fallen his deepest respects. It was then that a beautiful woman quietly walked up to him from behind. Carrying a folder with her in her hands, she looked at him with eyes of sincere sympathy, eyes that were as blue as the sky that failed to show itself on this somber day. Her long purple hair flowed in the wind that has now grown constant. Her hair was tied with a red ribbon that seemed to shine, despite their dreary surroundings. She wore a dark blue woman's business suit that complemented her eyes.

She stopped and stood next to him. She took a moment to look at each of the graves. Then she turned to him and said in a soft and beautiful voice,

"Hiro-sama…"

Rising to his feet, he said,

"Is that the final report, Yayoi-chan?"

"Yes. It is as you had feared…" She answered as she handed it to him.

After quietly opening the manila folder, he looked through the pages inside. As he did this, his expression changed to that of apprehension.

"I don't believe this. To think, she would do something like this. And to involve two other great families in the process. I have no choice. I must break one of our greatest laws." He said with a scowl across his features.

"What will you do, Beloved?" Yayoi asked, concern evident in her voice.

"You already know the answer to that, Yayoi-chan…" Hiro replied sadly.

"Yes, Hiro-sama…" She said somberly as she lowered her head.

"Fear not. I do not want revenge or bloodshed like many others in our clan. Though, I do understand their feelings, which stem from such anger and pain. However, these three, out of either their arrogance or foolishness, have opened Pandora's Box. And if it's not closed, our enemies could very well destroy not only Japan, but the entire world. They must realize this, even if I should use force to make them understand. Judging from this case, it appears I have no choice."

He then turned to his beloved and slowly wrapped his arms around her and held her close.

"I know, Hiro-sama. But still…" The purple haired woman said as she buried her head into his chest and returned the embrace.

"I'm sorry. If there was another way, I would choose it. I know how you feel about…that family." He said tenderly as he began to stroke her silky hair.

"No, Hiro-sama. I left that name a long time ago. I am your wife now as well as a proud member of the White Wolves. I will support you, both as your wife and your lieutenant."

She spoke without hesitation or regret. She lifted her head and raised her hand to his cheek, caressing it gently.

"Thank you, Yayoi-chan. I am truly blessed to have someone like you by my side." Hiro said warmly as he gazed into her beautiful blue eyes. He then captured her lips in a soft kiss, which she gratefully returned.

After the tender moment passed, he slowly pulled back and turned his head to look towards the estate.

He took a deep breath and called out in a commanding voice,

"Saburota, Maimai!"

In two heartbeats, a man and a woman appeared before them. The man was tall, big and muscular. He had thick, long, black unkempt hair that flowed wildly in the wind. His deep brown eyes had intensity in their gaze. His face had a stern, hardened expression. He wore a dusty black leather jacket, dark gray camouflage cargo pants and black combat boots. On the left arm of his jacket was the silver White Wolves crest.

The young, seductive woman standing beside him had long silky white hair that seemed to gently dance in waves with the snowy wind. Despite her fair and beautiful face, the look in her pale icy green eyes hid deviant intent. On her lips was a dark shade of red lipstick that seemed to enhance her tiny smile. She wore a sexy, skin-tight dark blue and violet outfit that showed off every curve of her perfect figure. The outfit formed an open 'V' over her chest giving an impressive show of cleavage. Violet stiletto boots covered her legs up to mid-thigh which she sensually ran her hands over the smooth surface of, as if showing off her already obvious sex appeal.

The woman, forming a seductive smile as she looked at Hiro, said,

"Mmm…Hiro-sama. I was wondering when you would call us." Her tone changed to something cute and playful. "Your Maimai has missed you."

Maimai, swinging her hips in a sexy walk as she came up to Hiro, embraced him and nuzzled her face his chest. Yayoi chose to overlook this and simply gave a tactful cough.

"Your master has missed you too, Mai-chan." He said as he stroked her back making her purr happily.

The tall, muscle bound man then spoke up,

"So, is it time, Boss?" He inquired with a smirk.

"Yes, Saburota." His master answered authoritatively. "I have made my decision. It will be us four, the Silver Fang Squad that will carry out this task."

"Oh yes, Master." The white haired seductress said in a loving obedient voice. "Whatever you desire, I will do."

"It's fine with me Boss. You know I'm always ready." The black haired man said in agreement, burying his fist in his palm.

"Good. We leave right now." Hiro said, looking at the two. He then turned to his wife. "Yayoi-chan?"

The woman nodded and pulled out a paper talisman. Chanting a mysterious verse that has long since been forgotten outside a select group of mystics, the talisman disappeared and weapons suddenly appeared from the air in front of each of them. Yayoi possessed a silver bow, its brilliant mirror-like shine reflecting everything around it. Saburota possessed a long spear, the silver blade on its end was razor sharp and unbreakable. Maimai had a handle that when swung released a ki powered whip of white light. Finally, Hiro had a black katana and kodachi that he quickly strapped to his waist.

"Where shall we go first, Hiro-sama?" Yayoi asked as she pulled out another paper talisman that was red in color.

"To Tachibana Corp. in Tokyo. It's time for a certain three individuals to learn that there is a price to be paid for one's sins, that there cannot be atonement without sacrifice." Hiro said as his eyes turned yellow for a moment like the eyes of a wolf. "We shall start with the soldier girl."

His team nodded. With a mystic chant, Yayoi threw the red talisman to the ground, forming a large glowing pentagram at their feet that quickly surrounded them. Then in a red flash, they were gone.

Meanwhile, in her private quarters the leader of House Tachibana lays sprawled out on her lavish king size bed in a black tank top and sweat pants. She was like a cat comfortable in its surroundings, appearing satisfied and happy. However, if you looked closer, you could see this was clearly not the case. Her eyes give it away. They were still wet with tears she had shed recently. More evidence of this could be seen in the slight glisten on her cheeks.

She has been like this, on and off for the past few days. Ever since the Vampire Motoko incident was resolved over a week ago, she hasn't been the same. After she completed some unsatisfactory business a short time after, she fled back to Tokyo and shut herself in her private quarters. She has seen no one and spoken to no one. In her mind, she sorted through terrible feelings of guilt, regret and depression. For she carried within her a great sin. A crime she knew she would surely pay for if the truth were ever to be revealed.

When you get right down to it, it was her actions that had tainted at least one pure soul. Not only that, she knowingly manipulated them into thinking what they were doing was for the greater good. The ones she now calls 'friends', pure hearted people that she once tried to kill. Ones that had forgiven her and given their trust to her, called her 'friend' in return. But she knew that she didn't deserve their friendship. Not after what she had done.

As she looked out over the vast city, flooded by the daytime sun, she recalled the exchange of words she and Keitaro shared that had more than likely changed him forever.

"I can't kill. I will not kill."

"Listen up and listen good, Keitaro! It is killed or be killed! And if you want to survive, you had better learn to pull the trigger!"

"I'm such a heartless bitch…" Mei mumbled to herself as she lowered her face to the bed. "I talk about not following my father's path, to extend the olive branch before the sword. And yet, I did that to Keitaro. Now my clan's trust and respect for me has been shaken. My ethics are being questioned by hushed voices. And Reiji…" She wavered off as her tears started to fall once again. She then raised her head as if looking to the heavens above her. "Rei…oh, my dear sister. As you look at me now, are you disappointed? Disgusted?"

Then her gaze snapped forward as her body suddenly tightened up. Her years of training had kicked in, sensing that her sanctuary had been infiltrated. But by whom?

Less than a second after she had sensed the intrusion, she heard a feminine voice say,

"I think your sister weeps, Mei. Just like I did when I found out the truth."

Mei was about to jump from the bed and spring into action, but before she could do anything, an arrow of glowing ki energy shot across the room and hit her square in the chest, effectively nailing her against the wall behind her. She struggled to move, but soon found her struggles were futile.

Feeling the pain of the glowing arrow in her chest,

'Only one person could do something like this with ki energy!' Then the person she thought of appeared in the middle of the room from behind and unseen veil.

As the woman walked up to her calmly, she said,

"I wish we didn't have to meet again like this, my little niece." She then looked at her with a disappointing frown.

Gritting her teeth as the pain of the arrow went through the center of her very being, Mei looked at her and said,

"Aunt Yayoi…Errg! What are you doing?! What is the meaning of this?" Then Mei's eyes widened as she realized, "Wait. If you're here, then that means…!"

"Hiro Mishima is not far behind." The dark, angry voice said from behind Yayoi. Hiro then appeared from behind her and said, "You assumed correctly, my dear." He walked up to Mei with slow certain steps as he said, "You have much to answer for, Lady of House Tachibana."

Mei then raised her chin in defiance as she looked at him, her air of integrity seemingly unbroken.

"Hiro Mishima, the patriarch of the Mishima clan of Hokkaido and the leader of the White Wolves. To what do I owe the pleasure?" Mei ended in a tone of disdain.

"Oh, I think you know already." Hiro then turned away from her as he began to admire the classic works of art hanging on the walls of the room. "It's been a little while, Mei." Hiro traced his scar with his finger as he said, "We haven't seen each other since you gave me this when I tried to stop you from going to war with the Aoyamas recently."

Mei turned her eyes away for a moment as she remembered that day. It was before all this began. She had gotten the green light for Motoko's assassination from her father. Back then, she had still felt the bloodthirsty need for revenge. Through the information network of her clan, she received intel on when she would be returning to Tokyo and when her train would arrive. It was 12 noon on that cold early December day.

Motoko's train was set to arrive at Tokyo station at 1310, military time. Mei steadily made her way towards Tokyo Station. The serum in her bloodstream allowing her to easily leap from rooftop to rooftop of the tall skyscrapers that reached high from the concrete landscape below.

Looking at the time readout on her wrist now and again as her powerful strength allowed her bound from one building to the next, she thought,

'I've got a little more than an hour before her train arrives. Plenty of time to set up a vantage point, method of attack and an escape route.' She then formed a smile. 'You're mine, Motoko.'

As she landed atop the Nomura building in Shinjuku, her instincts kicked in as she felt the undeniable sense of danger. Mei immediately performed an acrobatic sideflip, narrowly avoiding several tranquilizer rounds. Quickly pulling out her twin wakizashi blades, she proceeded to deflect more of the rounds as she finally learned the identity of her attacker.

"Hiro Mishima! I should have known." She said looking at the silver haired man as he slowly lowered his automatic rifle.

"Mei Tachibana, stand down! Do you truly wish to break the treaty and plunge the two clans back into another war?"

"Motoko Aoyama has already broken the treaty!" Mei snapped back.

"And for her actions, she shall be reprimanded by her own clan and communication for the restoration of the treaty shall recommence between the two families, as is the laws I have set down as the mediator. However, Motoko's actions did not warrant an assassination attempt as dictated by your father!" Hiro hung the rifle at his side and drew his katana sword. "So I ask you again, stand down, Mei Tachibana."

Mei narrowed her eyes as she fell silent for a moment. She then glanced at the serum level on her readout and formed a deviant smile.

"Or else you'll what? Do you truly think you can stop me?" She said.

Hiro looked at her strangely, as if not expecting her to be so bold.

'What is she thinking? She knows my skills in combat are superior to hers. She wouldn't have a chance.' He thought, raising his eyebrow.

Hiro then lowered his sword slightly as he said,

"Mei, just put your weapons away and come with me. From there, we'll begin the peace talks again."

Mei lowered her brow as she raised her swords high.

"I've been given my mission and a ninja always fulfills their mission. Now, no one can stop me, Hiro Mishima, not even you." She said in a cold, malicious tone.

Beginning to lose his patience, Hiro said,

"Mei, what has gotten into you? You know you cannot defea-"

Hiro then saw Mei disappear from his sight, leaving nothing but raised dust where her feet stood. Confused only for a half a second, Hiro's instincts kicked in as he suddenly felt a killing intent aimed towards him. He quickly moved himself back just in time to receive only a minor slash over his right eye from Mei's left wakizashi.

Seeing Mei standing before him, her left arm extended upward holding her wakizashi high as it shined brilliantly in the bright sunlight, Hiro noticed the intensity of her gaze as she stared at him with the eyes of a predator.

"How did you do that? No human can move that fast."

"Oh, you haven't seen anything yet." She said, sheathing her swords behind her.

She then got into a very low stance and disappeared once more. Only this time, Hiro was ready. Through the use of his heightened senses, he possessed a certain ability of attack anticipation. Barely a second passed before the lightning fast clawed gauntlets began to appear out of thin air.

With his unnaturally fast reflexes he dodged an attack from the left, then from the right, from the front and with a back flip he dodged another from behind. Hiro could almost feel her frustration grow as she was unable to land a single blow yet. Dodge after dodge Hiro performed, even as she accelerated her attacks ever further.

Then she appeared in front of him once more. Her brow lowered as she showed a discontent frown. Mei narrowed her eyes as she stared at him, possible battle strategies filling her head.

"Whatever you've done to yourself, Mei, you obviously thought it would be enough to defeat me. It's quite clear that you were wrong." Hiro said, folding his arms as he looked at her.

Showing him a mocking half smile, she said,

"You are right, Hiro. You're absolutely right. It's painfully apparent this will not be enough to defeat you."

Mei reached over and pushed a button on her left gauntlet. She then got down into the sprinting position. This caused Hiro to hold out his hands to his sides and say,

"Mei, this is pointless. Stop this before you hurt yourself."

Mei narrowed her eyes and gritted her teeth as she yelled,

"Stop talking to me like I'm still that 8 year old child you met all those years ago!"

With that, she dashed at him at non-hyper speed, which puzzled Hiro for a split second. He then raised his guard in his front, preparing for her obviously futile attack. But as her hurried stride reached a couple feet from him, she suddenly disappeared from his sight, temporarily throwing him off guard just long enough for her to reappear behind him and get a single slash into the back of his shoulder with her claws.

She then leapt back and held her position a fair distance away from him. Hiro reached back, touched the open wound with his hand and brought it back to see his blood on his fingers. He then looked back to Mei, who was beginning to form a smile on her face.

"Just what did you expect to accomplish with that?" Hiro asked as he shed the blood to the rooftop at his feet with a swipe of his hand.

"Your defeat." She said plainly.

"My defeat? Just what are you thinking, Mei? Have you lost your-" Hiro then paused as the world around him began to spin. "Wha…what have you done?" He then lowered to his knees.

Taking proud steps as she walked up to him, she said,

"The tips of my claws can secrete a strong sedative, the effects of which you're feeling right now. Sweet dreams."

For Hiro, the world fell into a downward spiral until everything went black. With her super speed, Mei caught him before he fell over.

Mei then sat him down against the side of an air handling unit and said,

"Nothing can stop the inevitable." She then gave him a few pats on the shoulder. "Why don't you sit there and think about that for a while, old man." Mei knelt down in front of him as she looked him closely in the face. Then she started to speak in a quiet voice filled with cold, biting disdain. "I hate you. I've always hated you since the day you took my aunt away. Come to think of it, I hate you almost as much as I hate Motoko. Now, I don't know what you did to trick Aunt Yayoi into thinking she was in love with you. You know what? It doesn't matter anymore. Because someday, I'll figure out a sure way to defeat you fair and square. And on that inevitable day, I'll find you…and I'll make you pay for stealing her from our family." She let out a sigh. "But first things first: The mission." She then leaned back and got a little more comfortable. "Speaking of Motoko, I won't use the sedative on her. Oh, no. I want her to be awake to feel every cut, stab and slash that I'm going to give her. But more than anything I want her conscious so that when I do kill her, I can watch the life slowly fade from her fear filled eyes." Mei rose to her feet and then leapt to the building ledge, 50 feet away. She looked back to Hiro as he still sat there unconscious and said,

"Catch you later, Hiro. I've got a kendo-bitch to kill."

Then, with a powerful leap, she launched herself towards the rooftop of the next skyscraper.

Bringing herself back to the here and now, Mei thought about the words she had spoken that day.

''Nothing can stop the inevitable.' I've never understood those words more deeply than now. My actions were inevitable…and so too are my punishments.'

Hiro turned a hardened look back to Mei.

"Did you really think, after what you did to me, to my men, after what you stole from me, that I would just roll over like lax dog?!" He growled in a raised voice.

"Hiro…Aunt Yayoi…if you'll just allow me to explain." The young warrior started.

"Silence! I already know everything. And even in understanding that truth, that still does not condone what you did!" He shouted at her angrily. Hiro moved up close and firmly placed his fingers around Mei's neck. "Despite this scar you gave me, you could've just come to me if you needed the antidote to save Aoyama Motoko!" He then released her. "But instead, you break into my labs, steal my property, use an innocent to kill ten of my men, and have the audacity to joke about my clan!!" He roared as he slapped her hard across her face.

Mei felt the pain in her cheek as it began to turn red from the hit, but she remained silent. She knew she deserved this pain, this and more. Much more.

"In case you've forgotten, Mei, it was my family that forged the first two truces between yours and the Aoyamas. When your two clans came close to wiping each other out, it was I that extinguished the embers of calamity. But you and your father just couldn't leave well enough alone, could you? And you, you had to scorn me, all for the sake of your stupid and selfish revenge." He took a disapproving tone as he began to pace. "You were willing to destroy so many lives for it, that revenge of yours. And just recently you were willing to destroy many more for the sake of a love that was never real."

Mei's eyes fell to the floor as she finally gave in to an expression of disgrace, knowing how true his words were.

Hiro continued in a calmer more understanding voice,

"When I heard that your father died and you created a permanent truce, I was truly happy for you, Mei. I was genuinely hopeful that peace would flourish with two of Japan's great families finally working together without distrust or pretense." His voice became raised once more. "But then you went and committed that heinous act against my clan and that is something I cannot forgive!" He then turned his head away in disgust.

"I…I'm sorry, Hiro." Mei said in sincerity. "You have every right to be furious with me. Even after what I did to you on that rooftop. But as for the assault on your clan, I had my reasons for doing what I did."

"Yes…Noriyama Reiji." Hiro said as she lowered her head at the mention of his name. "As I told you, I already know everything. You still could have come to me…" He ended in sadness.

A quick moment passed, then Maimai and Saburota entered the room, the latter holding what seemed to be a used battle suit of Tachibana design.

"Have you taken care of her men?" Hiro asked Maimai, a question that caused Mei to raise her head up and look at Maimai with an angry scowl.

"Of course, Master. They'll be at rest for a long time." Maimai replied in her sensuous voice as she moved in and wrapped her arms around his. Mei then looked to Hiro with a look of deep apprehension as she said,

"My men? They're-?"

"Calm down." Hiro said. "Your men are alive. Maimai just put them in a deep sleep." Mei then dropped her head with a sigh of relief. "Unlike you, Mei, killing isn't my only option." The White Wolf leader said.

Hearing those last words, Mei turned her head away to avoid seeing his condemning gaze.

Saburota, who was waiting patiently near the door, spoke up.

"I found the suit, Boss. It's a good thing they didn't dispose of it yet."

He then handed the suit to his leader.

"Good work, Saburota." Hiro said as he brought the suit to his nose and used his enhanced sense of smell to take a whiff. "Hmm, interesting…this is…" Hiro said as he identified the scent.

"Yeah." Saburota confirmed. "No doubt about it. The Urashima kid probably had no idea whatsoever."

Tossing the suit back to Saburota, he moved away from Maimai's embrace and grabbed the still paralyzed ninja leader by her shirt.

"It is said, that to understand and manipulate the thoughts and perceptions of others is a ninja's greatest skill. So tell me, Mei. What would your 'partner in crime', Keitaro Urashima, think if he knew that you were responsible for manipulating him and ultimately tainting his soul, all thanks to this suit that he wore during his mission? What would he think if he knew that the micro machines in that suit you gave him had secretly injected him with a drug, an experimental improved version of your performance enhancing serum, the side effects of which decrease the restraint mechanisms in the brain, making him a raging, merciless bloodthirsty killing machine, strong enough to take on ten of my strongest werewolves at once?!! That is why you let him handle that mission alone and stain his hands with my men's blood, isn't it?!" He then wrapped his fingers around her throat once more. "He did your dirty-work while you hid like a coward! Isn't that right, Mei Tachibana?!" Hiro questioned with a deep and hard growl as he started to squeeze her throat.

Mei's mind flashed back to that day. She remembered Keitaro's distressed voice coming over her earpiece. Diving into the vent and crawling through the duct work, Mei kept a close eye on Keitaro's vitals as well as listened in on his situation through his com link that she kept open.

"Can't keep this up for long." Mei heard him say.

Through his suit, she was able to monitor all of his external and internal information through her wrist screen. Looking at his vitals, she saw that his words were true. Then the info came in of him being tackled to the ground and then being beaten mercilessly.

'Goddamnit, they're gonna kill him.' Mei thought in worry as she frantically opened the key pad on her wrist computer. 'Time for the failsafe. It may be the only way to save his life.' She then punched in a secret code, which lead her to a prompt. 'To hell with those wolves! Motoko would never forgive me if I let him die.' She then hit the enter key. A message scrolled across her screen which said, Serum Mark II System Activated.

His vitals improved immediately. She then heard his voice come over her earpiece again.

"Alright! You want me, you ugly sons of bitches?! Come and get me!"

"Atta-boy, Keitaro. Give 'em hell." Mei said to herself. "Fulfill the mission. Retrieve the package. For Motoko…" She then showed an expression of sorrow. "…and Reiji."

Mei's mind once more returned to the here and now.

"Hiro…please." Mei choked in a weak voice. "Do what you want to me. I don't deserve forgiveness after what I've done. Just don't involve Keitaro in this. He didn't know…"

Narrowing his eyes, Hiro then released Mei from his grip. With the snap of his fingers, Yayoi released the spell and the glowing arrow disappeared from Mei's chest. Mei dropped to the floor, her body so wracked with aching pain; she was unable to even hold herself up.

"I'm afraid I can't do that, thanks to you." Hiro said in answering her plea. "Even with your deceptive actions against him, it doesn't change the fact that he murdered members of my clan. The families and comrades of which, want his blood." The White Wolf leader explained.

"Please…don't kill him." Mei continued to plea desperately.

"Don't worry, I will not allow his life to be taken. However, he will be judged by the laws of our clan, along with Motoko Aoyama and yourself. The three of you have opened Pandora's Box, and just like Pandora, you three must deal with the consequences of your actions. The fate of Japan and possibly the world hangs in the balance." He then turned to Maimai behind him who immediately perked up like a cat to its master as his gaze fell upon her. "Mai-chan, take Mei back to our base. Make sure she is unharmed and kept away from the others until I return." He ordered.

"Oh…already? But I wanted to go with you, Hiro-sama." Maimai pouted in a cute voice.

"I know, Mai-chan." He said warmly to Maimai as he caressed her cheek. "But you are the most capable with your…persuasive talents to bring Mei with you back to headquarters. Besides, I know she'll be in good hands with you." He then gave a reassuring smile. "Yayoi, Saburota and I will perform the next mission. You wait for us until we return, okay?"

With another pout, she surrendered and said,

"Oookay. As you wish, Hiro-sama." She then formed a devious smile as she looked back to Mei. "But can I bring her there my way?" She asked softly as she took the hand caressing her cheek and nuzzled it with her face.

"Yes, you may. But just do the usual, nothing more. Understood?" Hiro replied.

"Oh, thank you, Master!" Maimai said happily as she embraced him and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

She then quickly trotted over to Mei, who was still lying helpless on the floor.

Maimai leaned down towards Mei's face and said seductively,

"Don't worry Mei-chan, this won't hurt a bit."

She then sat Mei up, leaning her against the wall. Maimai sensually licked her lips as she admired the beautiful features of Mei's face and body. Then, wasting not another second, she moved in and kissed the ninja leader.

"Mmmph…! Mmm…" Mei mumbled as her words were muffled by this woman's invading tongue and lips.

Mei tried to struggle against her but she soon felt her body surrender as she started to close her eyes and return the kiss. No longer of her own mind, Mei was now completely under the woman's strange power.

A few moments had passed of the white-haired woman ravaging the Ninja leader's lips. As she sensually began to slide her hand over the surface of Mei's abdomen up her tank top, preparing to touch her breast, Hiro called out to her in a tone of warning.

"Mai-chan…"

Maimai formed a heavy blush as she quickly broke the deep kiss and looked back to her master.

"I'm sorry, Master." Maimai said as she stood up. "It's been so long since I've been able to…touch someone in the way that I want to. I guess I got a little carried away."

Maimai then looked back down to Mei who was seemingly still in a lustful trance. Maimai turned, walked to the center of the room with a sexy swing of her hips. She then turned back to Mei.

"Come along, Mei-chan. Let's head back to Hokkaido together…" Maimai said in a sexy voice as she made a 'come here' motion with her finger.

"Yes, Mistress…" Mei said in total mono-toned obedience as she stood up and walked over to Maimai.

The effect of Maimai's power was clearly evident as Mei obeyed her every whim. Mei's eyes had a glazed and lust filled look in them as she stood by her new master's side.

Maimai formed a devilish smile as she looked Mei over from head to toe, admiring every curve, peak and valley of her fit and impressive figure.

"It's just too bad, Mei-chan." The white haired seductress whispered into Mei's ear as she moved her body close to hers. "You have such a beautiful body. It would have been soooo nice to play with it."

She then began to caress the soft skin of Mei's stomach and thighs.

"Oh, Mai-Sama." Mei lustfully said as she dreamily looked into the eyes to her new master.

Maimai's grin growing ever wider, her hands slowly made their way back upward towards Mei's chest. But as she did this, Yayoi's objecting voice was suddenly heard.

"That's enough, Maimai! Stop sexually abusing my niece! You know she's helpless under your power." Yayoi yelled with a disapproving glare.

"Oh alright, I'll behave." Maimai said in a snippy voice as she released. "But only because Master ordered me to."

With an exasperated sigh, Yayoi pulled out a red paper talisman, closed her eyes and charged some ki energy into it. After voicing a mystical chant, she tossed the talisman at the two women, forming the same red glowing pentagram at their feet. In a white flash, the two disappeared from the room.

Yayoi then turned to Hiro and said in a worried tone,

"Hiro-sama, are you certain it was wise to leave my niece in Maimai's care. You know well how Maimai can get sometimes."

"Hahaha, don't worry, Yayoi-chan. Above all else, Mai-chan will protect her as I've ordered her to. Maimai may be deviant in her pleasures, but she is also extremely loyal. I give you my guarantee that she would never do actual harm to your niece. We've been a team for years, so you already know how loyal she is. Remember that most of our clan wants Mei dead. And who better to watch over your niece than an extremely loyal team mate? Besides, what are a few sensual kisses and caresses compared to what the rest of the clan wishes to do to her? Consider that, my dear wife." Hiro explained in a wise voice.

"Hmm…I see your point." Yayoi said, realizing his reasoning for sending Maimai.

"I'm glad that you understand." He said, showing his wife an assuring smile.

Hiro's expression then became hardened once more as he looked out the window towards the west.

"Now, let us head to Hinata Sou in the Town of Hinata. Be prepared for anything, people. If this Urashima Keitaro is any bit as strong as Hina-sama was in her prime, and if this Motoko is as stubborn as I remember her, we may be in for a good fight."

"Hai, Hiro-sama." Both Yayoi and Saburota said in unison as they stood at attention.

Yayoi pulled out another red paper talisman, spoke the chant and within a few seconds, they disappeared from the room.

Meanwhile, at that moment in Hinata Sou, the very man they had mentioned was silently standing alone in his room, staring out the window. He was contemplating a dream he had had before he awoke this morning.

He was standing in what appeared to be a dark room with stone walls. The room was warm from the heat of the blazing fireplace behind him. To his left was a heavy metal door that looked as if it could only be unlatched from the other side. He then looked over to his right and saw a woman chained there to the wall. She had short brown hair and was completely naked. She was resting on her knees, hanging by the chains cuffed around her wrists. Her head was hanging down, so he couldn't see her face.

As he moved closer and knelt down, he noticed most of her body was covered with long thin scars as well as small round ones. These scars would most likely belong to a soldier who has seen many battles involving guns and blades. Getting closer still and finally looking at her face in the dim light of the fire, he shuddered as he realized that it was none other than Mei hanging there unconscious.

He was about to stand up so he could reach for her bonds and undo them, but he then heard the door behind him become unlatched and slowly open with a metal creak. He heard a woman's sweet seductive voice call from behind the door as she entered the room.

"Oh, Mei-chan? I know it's only been a few hours, but I've so missed playing with you. Have you missed me as well?"

Before he could raise his voice to protest the treatment of his friend, he was then whisked away to a different scene. His surroundings changed from the darkened room to the glass-like surface of a wide lake. Towards the south-west, he could see what looked to be a mountain covered in emerald green.

The bright blue sky stretching out above him and the cold wind blowing on his face, he studied his surroundings carefully. Everything was still and quiet. Very quiet. Something didn't feel right. He could almost feel a sense of…danger as he stood there on the water's surface. A splash sounded behind him. He hastily turned to see the shining blade of a sword coming right for him. It was then that he awoke in his futon by his lover's side.

As he continued to stand there, contemplating the dream further, he suddenly felt that something was amiss like he had experienced in the dream. Then the sense of danger quickly followed. Wasting no time, he grabbed his katana that lay to his right by the dresser. In an instant, he drew the blade, turned around 180 degrees and extended it towards his doorway where there stood three strangers, intruders that have invaded the safety of his home and by their very presence, posed a possible threat to his family of precious friends.

Taking a hardened and serious tone, he said,

"Who are you and what are you doing here?! Answer me, now!!"

The silver haired leader slowly took a step forward and raised his hands, motioning his lieutenants to stay where they were. He then spoke.

"Keitaro Urashima. My name is Hiro Mishima and I am here to make sure you answer for your crimes against my clan, the White Wolves." The tip of Keitaro's blade remained mere inches from the man's chest. Hiro then motioned to Yayoi, who drew back the string of her bow with a ki energy arrow aimed at his chest. "Come with us now, Keitaro. One wrong move and you're dead."

"Then he won't be the only one!" A young woman's voice came from behind him.

Hiro quickly turned back to see Motoko with the blade of her katana against Yayoi's throat. Saburota was about to take action, but was stopped by the gesture of his master.

Lowering his brow with a slight smile as Hiro slowly looked back to him with a discontent frown, Keitaro said,

"I believe this is what they call a stalemate, Hiro Mishima. Put away your weapons and we'll put away ours."

A long silence fell over the room. Then something most unexpected happened. Hiro Mishima started laughing. Listening to the hearty laughter as Motoko held her blade still against Yayoi's throat was disconcerting to the both of them.

Looking at the man in wonder, Keitaro said,

"Are you insane?"

After his laughter finally died down, Hiro looked to Keitaro with a smile and said,

"Arrogance and foolishness. Ah, to be young. Keitaro, both you and Motoko do your families proud. But consider this; when a hunter enters a lion's den, they are always prepared to take a cub or two."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Motoko suddenly asked in alarm, fearful of his statement's implications.

"Well, you and your fiancé may think that this is a stale mate, but I still have a few…'bargaining chips' of my own. By the way, how are Shinobu and Kaolla Su?"

The very mention of those two names sent a horrifying tug at the hearts of Keitaro and Motoko.

"Wha…what have you…" Keitaro started.

"Shinobu Maehara, aged 15. She should still be in her room right now, studying for her history exam." Hiro then showed a devilish smile. "Heh, should be. And Kaolla Su, aged 16. She should be in her room as well, reading a letter that her brother has sent her. They are still so young, innocent…vulnerable. It would be such a shame if they were to come to any harm, don't you think? Still being so young, if they suffered some sort of psychological trauma, it might scar them for life."

Keitaro then showed his teeth in growing anger as he said,

"You're bluffing."

Hiro's smile growing ever wider, said,

"Am I?"

Motoko's heart now filled with fear for the two girls, slowly moved her blade away from Yayoi's throat as she said,

"Please…please don't harm them. They're still just children."

Seeing the opportunity present itself as he saw the blade was far enough away from his wife's throat, Hiro then called out,

"Now!"

Yayoi suddenly disappeared from Motoko's sight. As Motoko stood there for a split second, confused, her body was suddenly stunned with electricity by a Ki arrow shot from her right. Motoko dropped to the floor, her sword clanging on the tabi mats as it left her hand.

"Motoko!" Keitaro called out in fear as he saw the stunned and confused Motoko struggle to get up.

Hiro smiled as he saw Keitaro move his sword away from his chest as his attention completely shifted to Motoko's wellbeing. This however, proved to be a fatal error on Keitaro's part as he suddenly sensed someone behind him. Keitaro quickly turned his head to look. It was none other than Hiro coming at him from the balcony. Before Keitaro could question what he saw as he turned completely to his sudden attacker, the second Hiro punched Keitaro hard with a straight and balanced fist, hitting him so hard in the chest that it sent him flying across the room. Keitaro flew into Motoko and they both busted through the door and into the hallway.

Shaking the stars from his vision as he looked at the two Hiros, he said in a weak voice,

"H-How did-?"

Then he saw the first Hiro shrink into a small piece of paper that appeared to have been cut into the shape of a man. After the paper slowly fell to the floor, the true Hiro picked it up, looked at it and said,

"These little things are called Shikigami. It's a basic spell in Onmyoudou magic that can create a duplicate of another person by infusing the paper with mystical energy and Ki. They may not be as strong as the ones they are shaped after, but they are so identical in appearance that even the most trained warrior cannot tell the difference."

Keitaro looked down to the floor where Yayoi had stood. Sure enough, there was another Shikigami laying there. Yayoi herself then walked into view from Hiro's right and stood by her husband's side.

Motoko, after seeing the content smile stretched across Hiro's face as he looked at her, said,

"If you're satisfied now that you've humiliated the both of us, then let Su and Shinobu go!"

"Oh, don't worry, the two girls are safe, still in their rooms, none the wiser." Hiro replied, letting out an amused laugh.

"You bastard!" Keitaro yelled, standing shakily to his feet. "You were bluffing!"

"Of course I was. In a game of cards, a master player does not play the cards in his hand, but the player across from him. Consider this a lesson learned." Hiro said, folding his arms as he looked at Keitaro.

The strength in his legs giving out as his head was still spinning from the fierce attack, Keitaro finally collapsed to his knees.

Seeing this, Hiro knelt down before him and said,

"You certainly have heart, Keitaro Urashima, I will give you that. You as well, Motoko Aoyama. But you both sure could use a few lessons in battle strategy. Despite the knowledge the two of you have of Bruce Lee's Jeet Kune Do and the philosophies of it, it wouldn't hurt to brush up on his chapter covering the art of 'fighting without fighting'."

Hiro then stood up and said, "I didn't become the leader of my clan by being reckless. Arrogance and shortsightedness are things I will not tolerate. Nor will I tolerate two such young warriors disrespecting myself or my clan. That is why I am here, Keitaro. To see that you answer for your crimes against my clan. More specifically, the murder of my men." Hiro then turned away for a moment and said, "Now, let us try this again. Please come with us willingly. If you choose to continue to resist, it would only prove futile."

Keitaro looked at him with fiery eyes of defiance. He gritted his teeth as his voice growled,

"You barge into my house and make these demands. You threaten my friends and even do harm to my fiancé. That is something I cannot tolerate, Hiro Mishima."

Keitaro then felt the weakness in his body from Hiro's attack. He knew that he couldn't put up a good fight in this condition.

Seeing the still defiant and hateful look on the young landlord's face, Hiro let out a sad sigh as he formed a frown. He then shook his head in disappointment. Leaning down and picking up Keitaro's sword, he then walked up to Keitaro and touched the blade to the side of his neck. Hiro's hardened expression then cracked away to that of complete sadness.

"I barge into your house? How is that any different from what you did at my compound?" Hiro said in a somber voice as his eyes turned yellow like those of a wolf.

Keitaro froze as those words caused his hateful expression to melt away into that of upset. The words hit him right in the heart. Keitaro's eyes turned away as he vividly remembered that day. The blood, so much blood. Dripping from his hands, running down his blade, staining his battle-suit.

Hiro continued,

"But there is indeed a difference overall, Keitaro Urashima. As I stand here before you today, I have not stolen from you nor have I killed any of your family of loved ones. I have been diplomatic, which is quite the opposite of how you acted that day in my compound."

Keitaro looked at him with sincerity as his voice stammered with uncertainty,

"But that was…I had no choi-"

"Don't you dare finish that sentence!" Hiro snarled in a deep voice that brought forth both anger and despair. "Are you saying that what you did was justified?! That you had no choice?! There is always a choice, Keitaro! Don't act so righteous! My men are dead! Men with wives, children, and families!!"

The gazes of both Saburota and Yayoi fell as their expressions turned to sadness. Calming down somewhat, Hiro continued,

"I'm sure that you want to live a happy and peaceful life, Keitaro. To marry the woman you love, raise a family and keep close the people that are precious to you. But I ask you, what kind of peaceful life can be built with blood-stained hands?"

Keitaro paused as he tried to find the words.

"What you say is true…but what Mei said to me…"

"Words, though they have the power to express truth may also have the power to manipulate and warp the truth." Hiro said, his grip on the hilt growing tighter. "Despite what Mei told you, the ones you called 'Monsters' and 'Ugly sons of bitches' had families too. And what you said that day was right. You yourself were more of a monster than they could ever be. At least you realized it at the time. But now, while you two live happily with your life, the ones that have been left behind live on in pain and sorrow, knowing they will never see the ones that brought them happiness ever again."

Hiro then formed a smile as he looked down at him,

"You think Mei's intentions were noble…altruistic? Don't be so naïve."

"What are you talking about?" Keitaro asked.

"She had an ulterior motive, Keitaro. And she used you to meet that end. But you'll soon learn that she herself was used as well."

"Mei used me? No…I don't believe it." Keitaro said as he started to shake his head.

"Believe me when I say this. Despite what you may think of me right now, if I truly was one of the cold blooded cut-throats Mei described the White Wolves as, I would have killed the two of you and everyone else in this house, then go down to your aunt's café, kill her, and after that I would proceed to wipe out what is left of the both of your families in Kyoto and Tokyo. Heh, luckily for you, I am not that person."

A cold sweat began to fall down Keitaro's forehead as Hiro continued,

"In this life, all your actions, especially those that involve the life and death of another, have consequences. You have destroyed the lives of many. Now you must deal with the consequences of those decisions."

'That's almost the same as what my mother said to me.' Motoko thought, finally understanding completely her wise mother's words.

Hiro then looked to Motoko.

"Motoko, be aware that you are as much to blame for what happened as your fiancée is." He said.

"Me? How?" She said, confused.

"If anything, it was your decision that was the cause of all of this."

"What are you talking about? What decision?"

"Don't you remember? You chose visit Rei Tachibana's grave. Though you said you were prepared to face the consequences, nothing could have prepared you for the inevitable chain of events that followed."

Motoko's eyes widened as she suddenly realized what he was talking about and the full implications of what she had done that day.

Hiro continued,

"Think about it. You, an Aoyama, set foot on Tachibana territory, thus violating the peace treaty between the Tachibana and Aoyama. This lead to Mei's assassination attempt on you (and my scar for that matter). After her first failure, she attempted to kill you again. But instead of you, she accidentally shoots Keitaro with a poisonous dart. Mei fails completely at her task of killing you, giving Rikumaru the opportunity to take Kyoto. He then threatens to burn Kyoto to the ground if his conditions are not met. Then you, for the sake of protecting Kyoto and to undue your mistakes which you once said 'you have no regrets over'…" Motoko lowers her head disgracefully when hearing the sting of the words at the end.

"…You go to Tokyo to challenge Rikumaru. At the end of the battle, Rikumaru dies thus bringing Mei to the throne as head of the Tachibana clan. But during your journey to Tokyo, you are infected by the vampire Tataku because of your recklessness in using the Dragon Heart technique you knew you had no control over and was not ready to use. You know of what I speak of…" He said with a voice that emanated disappointment.

"Please stop. I…I don't need you to remind me of my shame. But…" Motoko started to say in a weak voice.

"You had no choice, right? Don't make excuses. I witnessed that battle with my own eyes through our information network. I wonder what your family and Keitaro would think if they saw you taking pleasure in destroying a woman who pleaded for her life while you held her heart in your blood soaked hands. All the while holding a big smile on your-"

"STOP IT! DON'T TELL HIM! Don't…tell Keitaro anymore. Please…" The young woman begged in a shamed defeated voice.

"Motoko…"Keitaro said sadly as he looked at her, tears forming in her eyes. 'I had no idea. She never told me everything that happened while I was in that coma.' He thought, feeling slightly hurt since he always told her everything.

Hiro quietly looks at Motoko with pity. But he knew that they needed to hear this in order for them to understand.

"Let's move on. You realize what is happening to you, but sadly refuse to tell anyone what happened, which resulted in you fully becoming a vampire and running away to Europe, forcing your future husband to desperately turn to Mei for the cure."

Hiro then changed his mode as he looked to the world outside the window.

"Now, here's where it gets tricky. According to Mei, her company developed a cure for vampirism, but it was allegedly stolen by my group, the White Wolves. This was a lie. In actuality, it was we, the White Wolves that created the cure with the help from Tachibana's vampire research. You were manipulated into stealing the cure, Keitaro, by Mei. Although, Mei's intentions weren't entirely devious, she did help save Motoko and provide her with the cure. However, the cure itself was also desired by someone else. Someone, who had been pulling Mei's strings. But…we'll get to that later."

Hiro then faced the both of them once more.

"If either of you truly wish to atone for the lives you took and the pain that you've caused, and to curb the tide that you have set in motion then come with me." Hiro said, moving the sword away from Keitaro's neck and tossing it aside. "Not only for yourselves, but for the people who love and believe in you, despite what you've done. Otherwise, the happy life that you hope for will never truly be. It would erode and slowly destroy the lives of you and the ones you love. The choice is yours."

Keitaro lowered his head as he thought of all the girls there at Hinata house. He then looked back to his fiancé who was shakily holding herself up by her hands. Keitaro then slowly looked back to Hiro who was patiently awaiting his decision.

Keitaro then said,

"Alright…I'll go."

"Keitaro!" Motoko yelled in protest.

Looking back to Motoko, he said,

"Motoko, I'm sorry. Hiro is right. I can't deny the fact that I committed those acts that he spoke of. And now I must answer for them."

"But we can't trust these people. Who's to say what they'll do to us if we go with them."

"Motoko, the blood of those men are on my hands. I…I can't escape my sins…and neither can you. Sooner or later we must be judged for them."

Motoko fell silent at Keitaro's words. Her eyes then faltered and looked away as the visions of Hotaru, Tataku and even the young man in the sports car flashed through her mind. Despite the circumstances, she was guilty of extinguishing each of their lives. Even though her intentions were for the greater good, she had to face the fact that her actions may also have caused pain and suffering to others. Even if it wasn't directly.

'Mother…I think I finally understand what you were trying to tell me back then. I told my father and Keitaro proudly that I had no regrets over seeing Rei, along with everything that happened. But I was wrong. There are many things I truly wish I could take back. Many mistakes I wish I didn't make because of my pride and selfishness. If I had only spoken to my father before seeing Rei. If I had only accepted my sister's help when she offered it to me before I went to Tokyo to face Rikumaru. If I had only been honest and told Keitaro and Mei about what happened in my battle with Tataku before I turned into a vampire and ran away, maybe everything that happened, all the pain that was caused, all the lives that were lost could have been avoided. The ripples I have made because of my actions have caused both of our hands to be bloodied. I can't…I won't let Keitaro face this alone. His soul was tainted because of what he did for me. Even if we both die, if I don't face this with him, then I don't deserve to live.' Motoko thought as she clenched her fists and made her decision.

She then looked back to Keitaro and said,

"You're right, Anata. We can't escape our sins. After all, true samurai must take responsibility for what they've done. We must face our sins, otherwise we have no right to happiness or the life we wish to have together…"

She then showed him an assuring smile and gave a silent nod.

Keitaro then turned back to Hiro, rose unsteadily to his feet once more and said,

"Okay, Hiro Mishima. We will go with you peacefully. All I ask is that you keep the others out of this. I don't want them to suffer for our mistakes."

Giving a content nod, Hiro then said,

"You have my word, Keitaro Urashima. All others shall remain uninvolved. I assure you, you've made the right decision." Hiro then looked to Yayoi and said,

"Please take us back to the compound, my dearest."

Giving a nod, she said,

"Yes, Hiro-sama."

Yayoi then pulled out a blank red slip of paper and a brush. She then painted several Onmyou symbols onto the paper. Then, holding the paper next to her lips, she spoke several inaudible words in a whispering voice. Once finished, she tossed the paper into the middle of the room where it turned into a bright flash. Then the floor beneath their feet showed the glowing red pentagram. The entire room suddenly filled with white light. When the light finally faded, they were gone.

Naru's voice could be heard coming up the hallway.

"Motoko? Keitaro? I heard some noise. Is everything alright?"

She then appeared in the doorway.

"Oh my God! What the heck happened here?! The door's smashed to pieces." She walked into the room and looked around. "Keitaro? Motoko?" She walked around the entire room. "There's no one here. I'm sure they were here a minute ago. I know I heard their voices. I wonder where they went. Well, wherever they went, a smashed door can't be a good sign. I've got a bad feeling about this."

Naru then turned towards the wide open doorway. With a worried expression she straightened her long wavy hair with her fingers and walked out of the room, completely unaware of what had just transpired. She had no idea what Motoko and Keitaro were in store for, nor did they for that matter.

And so, once again the two warriors charge head-on down the twisting, uncertain path of fate. Thus, unlocking yet another turbulent chapter in their young lives. What merciful or treacherous fate is in store for them is yet to be seen.