"That's it." Ranma said as he stood across the street from their target. The trip to the Kuno mansion was a peaceful one, the couple of demons hopped through the rooftops of Nerima without attracting unwanted attention, though that could also be attributed to the fact they weren't fighting and generally destroying everything close to them.
Mara nodded and studied the house, which was huge by Japanese standards. "Let's get going." She jumped down to the street.
As they walked Ranma turned to Mara. "Just be careful. Last time I was here the garden was full of traps." He didn't put it past Kodachi to get even more creative with her traps over the two years he was absent. Not that he worried about Mara, he just wanted to make sure they found Kodachi without trouble.
Mara reached forward to ring the doorbell when Ranma caught her wrist. She turned an irritated look his way. "Let me guess. We sneak in." Why couldn't they do things the easy way?
Ranma didn't answer the demoness' question and simply jumped over the outer wall, leaving her to give out a suffering sigh and jump after him. What Mara didn't know was that this was the easy way. If they ran across Kuno they'd have to deal with him before moving on. While the pigtailed demon wasn't adverse to that idea he did want to wait till he was together with Kodachi again.
Once inside Mara blinked her eyes at the sight. It wasn't what she expected from what Ranma told her. Turning to see her companion she realized it wasn't what he expected either.
The pigtailed demon frowned when he saw the garden was well illuminated. The flowers varied in color, but all of them were of bright hues. Further inspection revealed the lack of traps. "I have a bad feeling about this." Ranma muttered to himself. The beautiful garden was bright and safe. It lacked Kodachi's touch.
Mara looked around for a moment and she frowned as well. For a rich family they sure didn't have much in terms of servants. The place was empty as far as she could see. "What now?"
Ranma started walking, doing his best to keep hidden in shadows, and slowly crossed the garden. When he reached the house instead of entering through a window he continued on the outside, circling the building to get to the back.
All the time Mara remained silent as she followed, looking around for anyone noticing their presence but finding they were alone. While the lights inside the house were on it seemed no one bothered to be outside at this time. After a minute or two of walking the demoness could see they were headed for a greenhouse.
Two minutes later Ranma opened the door and entered the glass building. "... She's not here..." He whispered in dismay.
Mara blinked a couple of times and closed the door behind them. She then took a look around. "So? We'll look for her in the house."
Ranma shook his head, a deep frown on his face. "You don't understand." He motioned for Mara to really look around the greenhouse. "No black roses. No carnivorous plants. No paralysis poisons or traps to get here."
Mara sweat dropped. "So it's a normal greenhouse."
The pigtailed demon nodded and turned towards the door. "It's a normal greenhouse... which means Kodachi hasn't been here for a while." Subtlety be blessed! He was going to beat Kodachi's location out of Sasuke or Kuno, whoever he ran across first.
"Uh uh!" Mara wagged her finger and caught Ranma's wrist before he could open.
Ranma turned a glare Mara's way. "What's your problem now, tomboy?!" He was in a really bad mood at realizing Kodachi wasn't at the mansion. That could only mean she was taken away, for the Black Rose wouldn't willingly abandon the place.
Mara smirked and cast the same spell she used in Tofu's clinic to make the building completely soundproof. "It's time." She pointed at her watch and Ranma could see the demoness had twenty minutes left to get it on with him. Seeing the slightly panicked expression on his face she rolled her eyes. "Are you sure you're not a virgin?" For a guy who'd had sex before he was too nervous about the idea of doing it.
Ranma was slightly offended by the demeaning question. He firmed his resolve and stood his ground. "I did promise, didn't I?"
Mara's smirk widened as she started dragging the demon by his arm. "That you did. Now come on. I've always wanted to do it on a bed of roses."
(Posted Tue, 13 Jul 2004 02:57)
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