FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

Lucy dressed in her usual fashion while Sam stayed in his baggy clothes. He rested his sword on his shoulders and wrapped his wrists over top of it. Lucy was hugging him tightly. One reason was that she was happy to get married. The other, it was raining and she didn't want to get wet. She did think it was odd, how they walked down the empty street as if something was waiting for them. Lucy couldn't see a thing, "Um, Sam? Where are we going?"

Sam laughed, "Uh... where did they set up again... oh! We're goin' to Japan."

(Japan?! How, they were almost on the other side of the world!) she thought. Lucy had to ask, "How are we getting there? I don't see anyone around to take us and there isn't an airport or boat in thirty miles of here. It doesn't make any sense."

"I need to ask you something." he spoke in a grave tone. Lucy was paying attention, "Why did you agree to marry me? You barely know me, and you have no idea what I am capable of, so why? I need to know."

Lucy thought his question was odd, but not uncalled for. It was true that she knew very little about him, and she's only really talked with him for about a week. "I... I'm not sure. It doesn't seem right. We've known each other for a week, and yet, I know nothing about you or your family, other then the fact that they are assassins. I guess... I guess I don't really have a good answer. All I know is that I am in love with you and want to be with you. You carry all this burden and don't ask for help." Lucy was concerned for Sam and wanted to help.

"I'll ask you once more: Do you want to change your mind? 'Cause once we start, there's no turning back." He was serious, but not unkind. Lucy gave him a look then kissed him on the cheek. "Our ride is here." She looked ahead and parked in the middle of the street was a plain looking car. Sam opened the door, looked inside, then let Lucy in first.

Inside the vehicle were all kinds of computers and radar. From the windows, you wouldn't be able to tell. There were two ninjas in the front seat, one was young and the other appeared to be the gruff older one that saved Lucy from Meteor. They nodded their heads, "Have you made your decision, master?"

Sam rolled his eyes and put his hand on his head, "Yeah... let's go." Lucy's heart rate shot up and the car began to move. It was a very bad storm and not even the planes would be flying. A boat would get tossed around and they wouldn't be able to find a captain to go on this suicide trip.

Lucy hugged Sam tightly, "Is this really happening? Are we going to get married?" Sam sighed then looked away, "What? Is there something wrong?" He laughed nervously, as if he was hiding something. "Tell me or I'll smack you!" (Ah crap!) she yelled in her head. She was surrounded by people who would kill for Sam, and she just threatened him.

"Well," he said, "marriage in my family isn't quite what you're used to. We have the same chance of getting married as we do..." he paused, making Lucy more anxious, "getting killed." Lucy thought he was joking, so she laughed. He laughed too, but it was the same nervous laugh. Then, "I don't want you to die, so stick close to me." he was serious.

Lucy became more aware of her surroundings, looking out for anything that may hurt her. The ninja in the passenger seat spoke, "If you would like, we can give you a medication that will put you to sleep until we arrive at our destination. I assure you, young lady, that it is perfectly safe. Lucy looked over at Sam and he nudged her on. She was jittery anyway, so she agreed. The dog turned around, grabbed her arm, and stuck in a needle.

Just before she went under, the dog asked Sam if he also wanted to go to sleep. "No, that stuff wouldn't have an effect on me. I'm not normal and I'm unusually stressed out. I'll take my chances." She collapsed on Sam's lap.

When Lucy came to, she was in a daze. It was bright outside, and there were unfamiliar buildings and trees around her. She looked around and saw that they weren't in the same vehicle. There were still computers and gadgets all around them, but they were different colors. There were also more ninjas holding high powered assault rifles. At the other side of what she assumed was a limo sat Sakura, with two nervous looking military-looking men at her side. She smiled as she walked over to Lucy, "Morning, sleepy head!"

Lucy felt that Sam was sitting next to her, staring out of a window. He was tightly gripping his sword, "Sam? Ugh... where are we? And what time is it? I feel like I've been asleep for days..."

He smiled at looked at her, "Not days, hours. I see by the look on your face that you noticed Sakura is here." he put his arm around her shoulder, "She was our suicidal pilot. She may be an insane stalker, but she's a damn good pilot. She's also pretty good in combat." Sakura smiled and bowed. "Now, rest up. We'll be there in a few minutes. And before I forget," he reached for his ankle and pulled off a large combat knife with sheath, "put this on your belt, just in case."

A ninja approached the couple, "Sir, would you like your equipment now?" Sam nodded. The ninja opened a simple looking suitcase and handed Sam the contents. There was a flak jacket, earpiece, a few tiny devices, some needles filled with a green goo, and a silenced pistol with three clips. Lucy was frightened as Sam put on the gear. (i know he said that the marriage ceremony was different, but what the hell?!) she thought as the ninja approached her, "Miss, would you like something to eat or drink? You look a little flushed." Lucy politely declined as she watched Sam get ready. His chest was terribly scarred, along with his back. It seemed as though some of the wounds went straight through. The vehicle stopped in front of a rather large mansion on a mountainside. The ninjas exited, followed by Sakura, then Sam took Lucy's hand and escorted her out. There was a long stone staircase that led to the front porch, and they had to start at the bottom. After a few words of luck, they were off.

Sam was particular cautious as he slowly walked up the stairs. Lucy put her hand on the knife as Sam put his on his sword. Halfway up the stairs, An elegantly dressed feline halted their advance. He was an older male, and looked as if he could be, "Nice to see you again son." (He was!) Lucy thought happily, but her joy was short lived as he leaped at Sam, producing a short blade out of nowhere. Sam pushed her back as he parried the blow with the flat of his blade. Lucy was lost (When did he... and where did he... huh?) They continued to exchange blows, "Couldn't pick up the phone after all this time?"

Sam smirked, "Phone was off the hook."

"For three years?"

Sam smiled, "It broke." A cat wearing a beautiful dress seemed to float down the stairs. She smiled as she passed Sam and headed straight for Lucy. For a split second, she thought she saw a confused look on Sam's face. Lucy screamed as she pulled out her knife.

Sam kicked over the man and blocked the woman's shuriken which was still firmly grasped in her hand. "It has been much to long dear. Is this the cute little girl we've been hearing about?"

Sam was growling, "So what if she is? You should know better than to greet a guest this way." The woman backed off as the man came flying through the air with a slash. Sam was faster, but he still struggled to block, "Don't you want me to introduce you all?!" His family was truly made of assassins, and his parents, the current heads, worked together in perfect unison. Fortunately, Sam was just strong enough.

Lucy knew that he wouldn't get a word in without being hit, so she said, "I'm Lucy, it is a pleasure to meet you." she bowed. When he looked up, Sam's mother moved faster than Lucy could see and landed right in front of her. (Sam is fast, but she is much more so.) she thought nervously.

"Likewise, it is always a pleasure to have guests. Dear? Would you please knock that off so we can go inside?" The father stopped as Sam was out of breath, "I do wish you would get some sleep, my child. It really affects your swordsmanship. Come, let us not keep this young woman waiting." Lucy smiled (These are my kind of people! Kind, civilized, and hospitable. Maybe this won't be so bad after all.) "Oh, how rude of me. You may call me Haruka. This is my husband, Kane. Please, let's sit down for some tea."

The inside of the mansion put Lucy's house to shame. It had decorations from cultures all oer the world, and yet, they all seemed to go well together. There was a massive split staircase that led to the second floor, and it was made out of pure marble carved by hand. Lucy was in awe, "This is amazing! I've never seen anything like this! Is that an authentic ancient Chinese statue! Incredible, there have only been three of these recovered in good condition!"

Haruka was impressed, "So, you seem to have good taste. From what I've heard, your mother is Rachel, is she not? That woman always did have an eye for valuables, and I suppose it passed down to her daughter. Come with me, I will show you your room for the night and get you some... more suitable clothing for this region." Lucy remembered that Sam said to stay close, so she looked over at him. He waved her on with a smile.

Haruka led them up the right side of the staircase into a long hallway. Instantly ten maids came out of every angle and looked at Haruka happily, "Is he here? Is Ronin back?" she nodded, "Yay! Its been so long! I hope he's still as cute as he was when he was a little kid." Lucy noticed that the maid that spoke was about her age. She grew concerned, "Don't worry, dear, that's just Mary. She was one of Ronin's childhood friends. Her mother is also in our service, but she wasn't cut out for our work. She stayed as a maid, and she as been wonderful. You do worry a lot, don't you? He is an honorable young man, he won't do anything behind your back."

Lucy was taken to a large room, much larger than hers. Everything inside was clean and elegant. The furniture was all handmade by expert craftsmen. Haruka went to an armoire and opened it. Inside were many types of expensive dresses and clothing. She pulled out a light pink kimono and handed it to Lucy, saying that it would be much more comfortable than her dirty clothes. Lucy slipped it on and was fascinated by it, "Is this silk? It's so smooth... and it is comfy. Huh." Haruka smiled. "Excuse me, Haruka, but can I ask you a question?"

"Of course, dear."

Lucy thought of the best way to ask, "Why did you attack us as we climbed the stairs?"

She smiled and giggled, 'You really don't know much about us, do you? At first, we assumed that Ronin had picked a girl from a strong clan, which he did. I wasn't aware that your mother tried to keep you out of your family's business. It makes some sense, when I think about it. Ronin always did want to live a normal life. But I must be rambling on. Please come, come! Let me get you some refreshments."

Lucy went to a large room on the first floor and sat next to Sam and hugged him tightly. She had no idea what was going to happen next, but she wanted to be close to someone that loved her. Kane and Haruka entered with a silver tray. haruka poured tea into all of the cups. Lucy thought it was delicious. "So," Sam said in a serious tone, "who?"

Kane spoke, "Right to the point, just like in the past. Okay, are you sure this is the one? As soon as i tell you, it must be completed." Sam nodded as Haruka sipped her tea, "Good. There's been-" A maid came into the room and whispered something into Kane's ear. "Oh, we may just have to change the ceremony. Bring him in." The maid returned to the door and led the president of the United States into living room. He dropped to one knee and bowed.

"I must ask for the help of the Memento Mori once again. There is a wolf who has been confirmed to be a spy for a hostile country. If I were to send someone after him, I would have to explain the situation to my people, and they would panic. Please, I will pay any price." Haruka set down her tea.

"Well, if that is the case, we will send our best. Ronin? Take Lucy with you. This will count as the ceremony." Sam nodded, Lucy understood how this marriage was going to be different.

The president stood up, "Pardon my question, but isn't this boy a little young for this mission? Couldn't you send someone with more-" Sam had silently drawn his sword and broke the skin on his neck, "Never mind. Forget I said anything, please. What is the price you ask?"

Sam rubbed his chin, then said, "Since it sounds like a dangerous mission, $1.2 million should be about right." Lucy was shocked at the large number. However, the president nodded and left.

Kane said, "Being merciful, are you? Oh well, since it will be your money, I suppose I shouldn't get involved. Please, escort this beautiful young lady around the house, show her where things are. You leave tomorrow." Sam stood up and took Lucy's hand.

He took her around the mansion, with Mary at his side. They joked with each other as Mary led the way. Apparently, Sam had only been to the mansion once, so he had no idea where anything was. Mary was a sweet local girl, her name given by her American mother. She was a human, but only showed friendship towards Sam, nothing more.Behind the house, there was a captivating yard with many lovely flowers all around. Mary left Sam and Lucy alone. "This is... I can't describe it. Wonderful."

Sam straightened up, "I know that you were told to relax, but I need to go over some things with you." He looked around, then picked up a few sticks, "I need to see what you're capable of." He handed them over to Lucy.

At first, he stood about ten feet away and told Lucy to throw sticks at his heart and head. Then, he moved up close and told Lucy to hit him as he moved around her. This was much harder than she had expected since he was like water. After about half an hour, he was satisfied, "Alright, looks like it ranged weapons for you. Come on, let's get something to eat. Tomorrow's gonna be a pain."