Catch that Stone
Fandom - Outlaw Star/Wild Arms meets Inuyasha
Genre - Action, Sci-Fi, Romance
Abstract - This story is about how a wandering muscular beauty named Claudia finds a new of work with the Ranger Guild.  Things get more interesting for her after meeting up with a guy named Logan and a magical crystal that will change both of their lives.

Inside a modernized Western style bar, where several patrons are enjoying their late-afternoon alcoholic beverage and others reading the newspaper and playing cards, a blinding dust storm was plaguing the area outside which made it difficult for any new customers to come inside.  The regulars didn't feel compelled to leave until the storm died down, so it remained a fairly tranquil setting.  That changed however when a silhouette appeared through the heavy dust approaching the wooden double-doors.  The person walked in wearing a large, brown jacket that covered the body and a large, brimmed hat that were both caked with dust from outside.  The figure approached the bar, sat down on the stool and to the bartender said, “Long day for me today, How about something cold with a kick?”  
The bartender proceeded to comply with the request and began making one of his special drinks.  “You know, outside the conditions aren't fit for man or beast.” the bartender added.
“Heh, somehow I'll think I'll manage.” said the stranger.
The bartender serves the drink to the stranger, “You seem to have a good attitude towards life despite some hardships that I can tell.”
The customer felt some meaning from those words.  In response, the customer drew out some money for the drink and something a little extra.
Meanwhile, some of the other bar patrons were not too pleased with the newcomer to their bar.  The vagrants with some rare red cloths off the side from their belts approached the individual with some bad intentions.  
The stranger tried to pay no mind them and tried to finish off the drink, but the unruly group was persistent.  “What do you think yer' doin'?  We own this bar and we're not goin' to have someone fresh like you ruin our fun!” said one of group members.
The head of the stranger slightly turned to the group and said, “I'm not in the mood.  Just leave me be.”  
One of members of the group was brash enough to brush away the hat from the stranger and revealed the identity of the individual.  To everyone's shock, what was thought to be a man that was sitting down was really a young woman.  The woman had fair skin and short to medium-length hair with a reddish-magenta tint.  With this newly found information, the pest had to change his bullying tactic to one of more of a flirtatious one.  “How about I give you something to drink that has some more kick than what you've got there?”
“Buzz off, I said I'm not interested.” was the woman's response.

The members of the group began to get more agitated with her rejections.  The second member of the group was incensed enough that he took off the woman's long, dust-covered coat.  When the jacket came off was a shock from the group that was even greater than when the hat was removed.  This time, the woman revealed a very muscular physique.  The outfit that she had on that tried to conceal her muscles was a pair of short tore-off jean shorts with a pair of sturdy dark lavender cowboy boots.  For her upper body, she was wearing a white top that covered her naturally-shaped breasts, yet the shirt left her midsection exposing her abdominals.  A brownish-red colored vest was over her shirt.  Around her neck, she wore a golden heart-shaped necklace.  The threesome and the bartender were wide-eyed for a moment with the woman's appearance.  However, the ruffians decided that they had enough surprises for one afternoon and went to take out their frustrations on this amazon.  This woman demonstrates to the oncoming crowd that her muscles were not purely for show.  One of the red-clothed members attempted a punch, but that was easily intercepted by the woman, as the woman tightened her grip on his fist and a swift punch to the gut with her other hand that subdued the first person.  The third person in the group, who had been the quietest of the three tries to make the biggest impact by picking up one of the chairs from a nearby table and using it to hit the woman while she was taking out the first guy.  Fortunately, the woman managed to catch the chair and use her strength to overpower the third person.  The chair was flung to the side and the woman catches the third individual and put him in a headlock under her massive forearms.  The third guy was no match for her and he begins to gasp for air after a couple of seconds.  The woman then shoved him towards the second person, who seemed he didn't want any part of this gal.  

The bartender had enough with the spontaneous scuffle.  He reached down below the counter top and emerged with a shotgun.  A shot was fired into the air and the fighting stopped.  “Look, I get that time are tough, but don't you ever take it out on my bar!  Get out!”  
One of the individuals tried to utter a rebuttal, but that was quickly quelled with a cock of the shotgun by the bartender.  The woman, who seemingly was in total control during the fight, had a look of concern and fear on her face when she gazed from the smoke emitting from the bartender's gun.  The second person carried out with the other two people and headed out towards the dust storm.  The bartender put his shotgun away and prepared to clean up the damages.  The woman recovered from her momentary shock and addressed to the bartender, “I...I think they learned their lesson...”
“You did fine out there.” replied the bartender.  “It just that those group of guys and some others that have been building up around these parts for some time and that trouble has been bad for my business.  And my temper got the better of me that time, so it finally came to a head now.”
“You're right, something about them just made me uneasy.  I'm not like this normally, but when you've got to go.....Oh, let me help you out there a little.” said the woman.
The bartender went over and tried to lift an overturned table, but he has some trouble with it.  The woman came over to bartender and helped him out by easily flipping the table right-side up.  
“That's some mighty fine strength that you've got there.” said the bartender.
“Thanks, did you want to get a better view?”  She then rolled up her sleeve and flexed her bicep in front of him and then grabbed his hand and placed it on her arm.  “How does that feel?”
“You're definitely not from around here.” said the bartender in approval.  “Who are you and where you're from?”
“I didn't give my name earlier, it's Claudia.  I'm from smaller town a ways from here.  Mainly, I've come looking for work.  Unfortunately, it has been a tough go for a while doing odd jobs at various towns.  Coming here, I feel there's something out for me.”
“That's an interesting story you've got, Claudia.  I'm Southerby, by the way.”  He puts his hand off of Claudia's arm and continues, “As far as work goes, I don't know about many openings.  But I do think there's something new on the job board over there.  Something about a guild or other.”
Claudia proceeded her way over to the job board that was posted on the other side of the bar.  The flier was there and it announced:

Join the newly formed local chapter of the Ranger Guild.  Make the world a better place by using your abilities in tasks such as law enforcement, construction, medicine and technology.  Room and board along with stipend pay.  Apply at the Guild at the edge of town.     
-Guildmaster Oswald

“Hmm..., that maybe something that you might be interested in, Claudia.” remarked Southerby.
“Maybe so.  I'll give it a shot.  This may lead to something new and exciting in this town.”
Southerby took a glance outside and said, “Hmm..., the dust storm appears to be over now, just the setting sun remains.”
“This is a sign after all.  That settles it, I'll apply first thing tomorrow.” proclaimed Claudia.  “Now all I need to do is find an inn.  Well, thank you again for your help, Southerby.  I'm certain we'll meet again.  See ya.”   Claudia then picked up her jacket and departed the bar.
Southerby was finished the repairs and turned on the television which was in the middle of a news report.

“...the wrecked space cruiser with only minor injuries.  In business news, there has been a sharp increase in the price and demand of a new mineral called nilstronium.  This nilstronium remains a mystery to many but many mines in the region are in the hunt for this rare mineral...”

Claudia is now well-rested and energized with the hopes of a new day as she makes her way to the guild on the other side of town.  When Claudia arrived at the guild, she noticed that she wasn't the only eager person looking for work.  There were a variety of applicants waiting in the wings with individual skill sets that ranged from former soldiers to machinists to chefs.  Claudia grabs an application and takes a set to fill out the information.  While writing, Claudia crosses her powerful legs and has a pensive look on her face, thinking about what to put down.  Some of the other applicants in the room had a mixed reaction towards Claudia.  There were some people who had a resentful feeling towards Claudia; some had a look of desire in their eye.  Claudia continued to fill out the application despite the on looking crowd.   By the time she finished her application; Claudia looked up and saw the next applicant to step out from the Guildmaster's office from the interview session.  The person that emerged was an enigmatic individual that was completely covered in clothing, despite the balmy, clear conditions outside.  This person wore a long coat, slightly larger than normal gloves, a large-brimmed hat, a scarf and a pair of rounded sunglasses.  
“Hmm..., who's that guy?  Kind of strange to wear so much on a day like this.” remarked Claudia.

A couple of participants later, it was Claudia's turn to head into the Guildmaster's office for her interview.  She walks into the room and meets the Guildmaster, Oswald for the first time.  Oswald was a venerable man with a large mustache, several battle scars and moved around with a walking stick.  Yet these indelible physical features do not deter Oswald from doing his job, by finding the best people that can bolster the guild.  The interview started off with some standard questions, but eventually asks Claudia an obvious question.  
“So, where did your strength come from Claudia, since you're different from many women that I know?”
“Well, sir, growing up I did a lot of chores on the farm to help out my daddy.”  Claudia answered.  “It was a lot of work with just the two of us around, so I felt I needed to do my part.”
Claudia then went over by Oswald and demonstrated more of her strength by lifting up the chair that Oswald was sitting with one hand, and in one smooth, effortless motion, she lifts Oswald in his chair over her head with both arms.  Claudia places the two back down to the floor gently.
“Whoa, ohh...okay then.” Oswald proceeded to write down her answer as part of the evaluation.  “Now, what tasks do you have that you can bring to this guild?”
“I would like to use my strength to help out others.  So the best path for me would be in construction or ropin' in some bad guys.” replied Claudia.
“So with your goals in law enforcement in mind, do you have a weapon other than your fists?  A gun?  Anything?” asked Oswald.
This was the one question that had Claudia a little worried.  She wanted to remain calm and confident in regards to her question despite her not owning a gun.  “Uh...yes.  I just spaced that out before I came in here.”
Oswald seemed a little skeptical of her answer, but went on to say.  “If we decide to you hire you on, you better have a gun ready.  It's a dangerous world out there and I don't want to lose anyone on this team due to reckless abandon.  Just understand that.”
Claudia seemed to gain some inspiration from Oswald's words.  It may have been similar to a father's love for a daughter, just as much as she expressed it earlier to Oswald.
“Well, that will do it for now.  Thank you for coming Claudia.  Come back tomorrow and see if you're hired or not.” said Oswald.  The two shook hands and Claudia left Oswald's office.  Oswald took a seat in his chair and before he began to look through the next pool of candidates, he grabbed a handkerchief, patted his brow and thought to himself, “Damn, I must be getting too old for this if I'm getting worked up by being lifted up.  There's something about her though...”

Towards the end of the day, Oswald finishes up interviewing the rest of applicants that have been waiting.  Exhausted by the day's efforts, he heads over to the bar for a drink.  When Oswald arrived, he witnessed puzzling event.  A lot of the scruff, tough, no-nonsense individuals who were in Oswald's office earlier, seemed to have some pain in the forearms, while others were generally having a good time.  At the center of it was Claudia.  She was having the time of her life by having a couple of drinks with the fellas, cracking a few jokes, and of course winning every arm wrestling match that she accepted.  Oswald response was a sly chuckle and then he went over to Southerby was and talked to him about his day.  Across the way, an individual was finished reading the newspaper and proceeded to leave the bar.  It was the same mysterious clothed person that Claudia met during the interviews earlier in the day.  Claudia noticed that it was the same person from earlier and she began to call him over to her table in a playful tone.  “Hey, hey you!  You want to take me on?  Hey, I'll even go easy on you, come on!”
The clothed individual sensed that Claudia may have had one too many drinks.  “I don't have time for this; I'm a busy man with better things to do.”  He then left the bar for the evening.
“Hmm...What's his deal? *hic.  Come on, boys.  I could go all night if I want.”  Claudia said with a laugh as the good times continued through the evening.

The next day, Claudia is fighting a bit of a hangover from the previous night.  However, she fights through it and heads over to the guild to find out if she made a good impression yesterday that she was able to gain employment.  There was a long line at the front door of the guild, which displayed the list of people who made the cut and who they will be paired up with.  Claudia got in line and wondered what was going to happen to her.  Was she going to start the next stage of her life with the guild or continue to be a vagabond with little sense of direction in her life?  Finally, it was her turn to check the list.  It was about 60% through the list that she found her name on it.  Claudia jumped up in excitement in regards to this news.  She then checks the list to see who she is paired with as her partner.  “Hmm..., Logan.  I wonder if it was anyone of the fellas that I met last night.”
Claudia's intuition was partially right.  Logan was one person that Claudia did run into last night, but not whom she expected.  Soon enough, the heavily clothed person who blew off Claudia last night came up to her and asked in a calm voice, “Looking for me?”
Claudia was shocked and embarrassed to know that the person that she encountered twice yesterday was the person that she will team up with in the guild.  Logan, on the other hand, was not too bitter about the previous night and shook Claudia's hand.  Claudia seemed apologetic about last night's endeavor and she did her best to warm up to Logan, but Logan interrupted her attempts and said, “We need to get inside, the orientation is about to begin and we need to be there.”
“But, but wait Logan!” Claudia tried to go after Logan, but as he turned away and headed inside the guild, she noticed that Logan had a huge gungnir-like rifle that he was carrying on his back.  The sight of the huge weapon made Claudia becomes silent, yet again.

Inside the guild, the newest guild members were lined up in their assigned groups and Oswald was presiding over the room and dispensing some valuable information.  
“Congratulations for making it this far, you are all the best at what you do and I expect nothing but the best from you.  You also have a responsibility to your contractor and I expect that you honor your obligations to them.  The pairing assignments that I made were strongly based on the two complimentary skill sets that were needed to complete the mission.”  Oswald proceeded to hand out sets of teal and gold badges to each of the guild members as well as the members' first assignments.  Some of the jobs that were handed out were in security and construction.  It was at the time when Oswald met with Claudia and Logan when one of Oswald's pages came and broke an urgent matter to him.
“Sir, there has been a collapse at one of the mine shafts to the north.  We need help rescuing the miners!”
“Hmm..., I had another job for you two in mind, but this matter is more pressing and I know that you two can handle it.” said Oswald.
Claudia seemed surprised with the sudden news and that she hadn't figured out why so much as to why Logan was paired with her.  Logan on the other hand, decided to step in and calmly responded, “We will accept this mission, sir.  Claudia and myself will rescue the trapped miners.”
Logan, Claudia and Oswald went outside and the Guildmaster led them to the pair's mode of transportation to the mine shaft.  It was a land cruiser that had three wheels, was able to seat two and hold some equipment.  It appeared a little small, but it would be able to get to where its riders to go to in a hurry.  Oswald gave the keys to Logan and informed him to keep the guild well-informed of the situation.  The two got inside with their gear and headed off to save the miners.  

Along the way, Claudia was still curious about her new partner and began to get to know him a little better.  “So, why are you along in this mission?  I don't know how you would be able to help out.”
Logan answered the question posed by Claudia.  “It's because I'll serve as the medic for this mission.  Most likely, Oswald wanted you to help remove the debris to get to the miners with your strength and I'll help heal any of the survivors.”  
“So if you're supposed to be a medic, why do you need such a large rifle that you've got?” asked Claudia.
“As a medic, I can be assigned to many missions that are more dangerous than others.  In a battlefield setting, the enemy is more willing to eliminate the army's form of recovery over their strongest fighters.  That way, if the healer is eliminated, the army won't last as long.  Me being that target, I have to protect myself in order to benefit my allies.” answered Logan.
“Oh..., you're a smart guy.  I wouldn't have thought of it that way.” said Claudia.  She decided not to ask anymore questions for the time being as the two sped off to the mine shaft.