Ordinary POV Just as Satsuki pulled her skirt back up and plopped into her seat, the pilot spoke up. "Lady Ryūko," he spoke to the younger one, "we will soon be arriving at the Kiryūin manor very shortly. If you take a look out the window-" here Ryūko immediately did so out of curiosity- "you will see that it is situated upon a high mountain and can only be reached by air or by a high, winding road." Satsuki leaned over her sister's shoulder. "You see that one bend over there, Ryūko?" she whispered, pointing to a peculiar section of the road that had a slight dip on the asphalt. "That's where I'm told Soichiro met his supposed death at the hands of a staged accident by Ragyō." They both fell silent for a moment, pondering the weight of what had happened that fateful night eighteen years before. The helicopter made its decent onto a very spacious lawn that doubled as a landing pad, and from above, the manor truly appeared to be an oasis in the middle of that barren rock. And yet, at the same time, it took the appearance of a castle. After all, this tract of ground had been in the family's possession for over two centuries. Ryūko happened to notice that a second helicopter was opposite them, having made its descent not too long ago. It lifted again, though, sending a radio message to the pilot "Lady Satsuki," the pilot said to the elder sister, "Soroi has arrived here in advance, and our second craft will be picking up Hōōmaru and the Elite Four. They are expected to be here tomorrow, as Hōōmaru is still occupied with a pressing task, as she may have personally confirmed to you. Also, the Elite Four have not yet confirmed whether they can all rendezvous at Jakuzure's residence by tonight, so we expect them to arrive tomorrow also, together with the Secretary." "Very well," was Satsuki's reply. "That leaves all the more time for the two of us," she said turning to Ryūko with a smile and a raised eyebrow. Ryūko could only stammer in agreement as her face turned bright red. Her big sister giggled at her reaction and stepped out of the helicopter. Ryūko followed closely after, as the helicopter lifted off once again from the lawn. As it did so, she decided to ask Satsuki a question once again. "Hey, sis," she slowly mumbled, "is it really okay to say that kind of stuff openly?" Satsuki turned to face her, an amused, questioning look sweeping across her features. "Oh, Ryūko," she said with a smile, "this is in return for your cuddling with me in the elevator in front of Hōōmaru. Personally, I wholeheartedly relish this payback, and you don't need to be afraid to do so, too." For a brief space Ryūko was silent, pondering her answer. At length, she decided to be somewhat more forward in her actions. As they neared the front door of the manor, Ryūko gently took hold of her sister's hand. "As you like it, sis," said a sly Ryūko. "Heck, I can bet not even Soroi has seen you ever blush that hard before." They both started giggling at the front door, as a footman opened the large oaken gate of the mansion. "Welcome back, Lady Satsuki," he said to the elder in a solemn voice. "And we've been expecting you, Lady Ryūko." Both sisters flushed deeply, the former blushing because her faithful footman had witnessed her stoic mask peeling on itself, while the latter blushed once again at the title with which she was addressed. After an awkward moment of silence, Satsuki straightened herself up and donned her emotionless manner once more. "I give you my thanks," she said with a regal tone. "Is the room ready?" "Its preparation has been seen to by Soroi this morning." "Very well. My younger sister will undoubtedly enjoy the comfort of the bed tonight, I'm sure. I owe you much gratitude." The footman bowed. "It is a pleasure, Lady Satsuki." ~~~~ Two minutes later, Satsuki had led Ryūko by the hand to the main atrium. "This, Ryūko," she said slowly sweeping her arm through the panoramic periphery, "is the Kiryūin manor house." For a brief space Ryūko was silent, struck dumb in awe of the marvelous hall. The marble floor was matched with scagliola columns of the Corinthian style." A seven-foot-tall crystal chandelier hung suspended from the gilded ceiling, on which were incredible paintings of the Kiryūin's lineage. The chandelier was incredible, as it sent the light of a single candle radiating through the entire hall, and to supplement the dazzling candelight, eight Gothic double-paned windows gave a breathtaking inlet for the light of the sun to send its gentle rays to light-yearning souls. Ryūko took it all in, taking her time as she looked every aspect of the room, her hand still in Satsuki's. At last she spoke. "You're right, sis," she said. "You definitely one-upped Dad's mansion, for sure. This whole room is so freaking incredible..." "Except for that corner there," said Satsuki in a disturbingly cold voice and pointing a taut arm to it. "Ragyō's face is painted there, and I cannot even bear to look at it." Ryūko stiffened up at the harsh tone in her sister's voice. "Wait up, sis. Then why haven't you had it removed?" Satsuki's brow drew low over her eyes. "It can't be removed, Ryūko," she lowered. "That evil monster of a Life Fiber slave had her portrait painted with an indestructible paint that not even Life Fibers can remove." Ryūko fell into a fit of rage. "Damn you, Ragyō!" She shouted, flipping off the painting. "Look what you've done to Satsuki! I don't care if you're dead or alive. F**k you in the face." "Calm down, Ryūko!" said Satsuki, holding her back by the arm and gritting her teeth. "She's dead, but her presence remains in this atrium. There's nothing we can do to remove it." Ryūko did so at her sister's command, though she still kept her finger raised high. "Someday, Ragyō," she said to the lifeless painting, "I will erase every memory of you from the earth." ~~~~ Still hand in hand, the two sisters now began to ascend the grand staircase. "I will show you the bath house later today, Ryūko," said Satsuki. "What I do want to show you, however" — here her voice sank to a sensual whisper — "is your bedroom." Ryūko's face lit up as she gave her sister a flirty side look. "Oh? You've got me interested now, sis." TO BE CONTINUED

