Me again,

        Not much to add, here is part two of Dark Family 3 'Unwanted Reunions',
"Blitzkrieg".  I'm not going to spoil anything, but I'll say sit back and watch
as Renon Marcus does a number on the Ranma 1/2 cast.  Enjoy!

Any comments/critique can be sent to:  bnstone@ix.netcom.com




-- Listar MIME Decryption --------------
-- Name   : DF3PT2.txt






                                Ranma 1/2

                               DARK FAMILY

                               Part Three:

                           'Unwanted Reunions'





                             Nicholas Stone




















                               Blitzkrieg...







                               Chapter Two

Tendo Dojo, Nerima District
Tokyo, Japan

     Ranma Saotome sat in a low crouch watching silently as Akane Tendo worked her way around him, throwing kicks and making swipes through the air as she moved.  He wanted to laugh but knew that would only upset her, and he certainly did not want to hear her bawl again.
     It might not matter anyway.  There was no way in nine hells she would ever land a blow on him.  That was something he could not allow.
     Akane finally stopped.  Adjusting the belt of her gi, she set her feet on the mats ready to try for the umpteenth time to level her erstwhile boyfriend.  The humor glimmering in Ranma's eyes only made her that more determined, and she brought her fist to her sides.  A long pause followed, then Ranma beetled his brows taunting Akane.  She pursed her lips tight and drew in a breath.
     "Are you still going to try this?" asked Ranma.
     "You just wait and see, Ranma Saotome," snapped Akane.  "I'm going to flatten you so hard paper will seem thick in comparison."
     Ranma could not hold back his snickers any longer, bursting out loudly.  That brought the steam rushing to Akane's ears.  Letting out a yell she charged.  Remembering her many similar mistakes, Akane suddenly dropped executing a low sweep to cut Ranma's feet from under him.  It looked good, leg extended out moving gracefully around.  Only it kept on going, no Ranma, no sounds of him tumbling across the floor.    
     Instead, he made a simple light jump allowing Akane's leg to swing past.  Startled by the maneuver, Akane was caught off balance.  She tried to hold herself up but her efforts were futile.
     "YEEK!" she cried as she rolled onto her back.  Ranma burst out laughing again, standing up to stand over her triumphantly.  Akane lay sprawled in an uncompromising position, glaring angrily up at him.
     "So, give up?" teased Ranma.
     Akane blew back a strand of hair from her eyes.  "Not a chance."
     Ranma shrugged.  "Okay, but don't say I didn't warn you."
     For a moment he smiled down at her, then suddenly the cheer faded.  Looking up oddly at the far corner of the room, Ranma suddenly turned and headed for the double sliding doors leading out into the back yard.  He opened them and stood gazing out across the grounds.
     Something tweaked his senses, a feeling that usually foreshadowed unusual happenings so common around the dojo.  He rubbed his chin, then sidestepped reaching out to catch Akane by the scruff of her gi as she flashed by.  She stood teetering on her toes, held at an odd angle arms flailing to prevent her fall.
     "Akane, I think we should cut this short," said Ranma.
     Akane stopped thrashing, looking over her shoulder.  "Stop?  Why, what suddenly has you spooked?"
     Ranma pulled her back upright.  "I don't know.  Just have this feeling that something is about to happen."
     "There you go sounding like my father.  You can't even concentrate on your exercises without having your mind drift off!"
     With that she tried to throw an elbow into Ranma's stomach.  It was totally useless, a firm grip blocking the attempt.  The collar of her gi tightened then Akane cried out as Ranma picked her up.
     "I told you this would be quick," he said.
     Falling back, Ranma rolled pinning Akane beneath him.  They laid there staring at each other, then Ranma pulled Akane.  The kiss sent a warm rush through Akane and she moaned lightly, wrapping her arms around him.
     Oh for the day to go on beyond this, she thought enjoying the moment.  It had been a long time since their last kiss, Akane remembering Ranma's confession of love for her.  Ever since then they found it hard to find time to be together alone, not with the completion of school, searching for a job, and applying to various colleges.  Plus the fact that there were certain parties out there still trying to keep them apart.
     Slowly they parted, gazing deeply into each other's eyes.  Ranma reached up brushing back the strands of hair from Akane's face.
     "Guess something did happen after all, eh?" he said.
     Akane smiled.  "It's been a long time since you've done that, Mister Saotome," she replied, draping her arms about his neck.  "I trust this will not be the last time."
     Ranma shrugged.  "Depends on how many times I can put you down during our practice."
     A light swat to the side of the head startled him, Akane narrowing her eyes.  "Tease," she said.
     Grabbing him roughly by the hair, Akane pulled Ranma close and they kissed once more.  All the cares of the world seemed to fade away from the two lovers, relieved that the final barrier of emotions had finally been swept away.  Nothing could ruin this, nothing except the sound of somebody clearing their throat.
     Surprised, Ranma and Akane quickly stopped.  Their heads turned together towards the doors.  There, Soun Tendo and Genma Saotome stood looking down at their children with broad grins etched on their faces.
     "Is this a new form of combat, Ranma?" asked Genma amidst his snickers.
     "No, I think it's a modified version of the Tendo Wrestling Technique," added Soun.  "I do remember--,"
     "Daddy!" cried Akane.
     "Pop!" exclaimed Ranma.
     Pressing his way through their legs, Happosai stopped to leer at the couple.  His head tipped back as he let out a mischievous laugh.
     "Yes!  Yes I can not wait to rummage through your hamper tonight, Akane.  This will be--,"
     A fist suddenly pushed out from between the two men, clocking Happosai neatly on the head.  He cringed, then tipped over in a daze.
     "Shame on you," came a woman's voice from behind them.
     Ranma shot to his feet.  He immediately recognized the voice, gaping in surprise.  "M-M-mom?"
     Genma and Soun parted.  Standing with a slight smile on her face stood Nodoka Saotome dressed in her best kimono.
     "MOM!" cried Ranma dashing over.
     Nodoka let out a laugh as he picked her up in a tight embrace, twirling about in excitement.
     "Ranma, Ranma dear boy.  My how strong you've become," she said.
     Ranma set her down drawing back.  "Mom, when did you get into town, I mean why didn't you tell me you were coming, How come--,"
     "Ranma, calm down," said Nodoka.  Gazing upon him for a moment, she sighed pleased at the way he had developed over the years.  His handsome features reminded her of Genma in his younger days, that rough sparkle of the eyes that drew her to him.
     Placing a hand to the side of his face, Nodoka said, "My baby."    
     Ranma's cheeks flushed red, then Akane's giggles made him realize his embarrassment.
     "Mom," he muttered low, eyes cutting from side to side.  Genma and Soun started laughing adding to his frustration.
     "Mrs. Saotome it's so nice to see you again," said Akane.
     "Akane," replied Nodoka.  She clasped her hands together, walking over to Akane.  "Such a darling young lady you have grown into.  A fine companion for my son."
     "Oh Mrs. Saotome you . . . companion?"
     "Yes.  My husband told me about your up coming wedding to Ranma."
     "What!" cried Akane.
     Ranma instantly was up into Genma's face.  "Pop!  We haven't even talked about that yet.  How can you--,"
     "Ranma," said Genma, cutting him off.  "There is nothing stopping the two of you from committing to each other now.  Why put off the inevitable?"
     "Because we're not ready," answered Akane.  She stormed angrily over to her father.  "Daddy, how could you!"
     Soun cringed.  Nervously, he wiped away the sweat from his brow.    
     "Now, now, Akane.  There is no need to be upset," he said.
     "No need to be upset?  Daddy, Ranma and I are nowhere near thinking about marriage."
     "Yeah," said Ranma.  "We've barely left high school, and you want us to get married?"
     "But the time is right," said Genma.  "The dojo needs new blood.  Somebody to carry on the family name."
     That caught Ranma off guard.  He staggered back in shock.  "New blood?  You mean children!"
     "You both are overdue and--,"
     "Genma!" said Nodoka sternly, stamping her foot.  Genma froze expecting one of his wife's deadly Katana to appear up beneath his chin.  Slowly, he looked around.  "Y-yes dear?"
     "Now you stop," continued Nodoka.  "Ranma and Akane obviously have plans before they are ready to take that step.  We should not rush them."
     Ranma started to thank his mother, then paused scratching his head.  "Gee, mom.  I really don't know how to take that," he said.
     "There is nothing to 'take', Ranma.  I'm sure when you two think the time is right, you will wed accordingly."
     Ranma and Akane exchanged surprised looks, refraining from any further comment.
     "Now then," continued Nodoka.  "What are you two planning for the immediate future?"
     "Well Ranma and I are working on getting jobs for the summer," answered Akane.
     "Yeah, Ukyo is going to let us work at her restaurant," added Ranma.  "A few months there and we should have enough to get into a good university."
     Nodoka let out a hum, thinking a moment.  "Yes, working on your business skills is an excellent idea.  You will need this in order to manage a household."
     Again, the couple traded looks.  Obviously, Nodoka held the same notion that their fathers held.  Although it was more than likely they would eventually marry, that event was not happening anytime soon.
     "Um, yeah, mom," said Ranma.
     Nodoka smiled.  "It is good that I have come when I did.  Now that your father's training is complete, it is my turn to instruct you."
     "I, he, what?" gasped Ranma.
     "Instruct?" added Akane.
     "Nodoka, what are you saying?" asked Genma.
     "I'm saying, husband dear, that you have done a fine job raising Ranma into the man that he should be.  Now I must step in and prepare him for the responsibilities as head of the house."
     "Head of the house?" questioned Soun.  He arched a brow then nodded slowly.  "Yes, yes I do believe this will work out after all."
     "Hey I don't need any more training," Ranma said. "I think I can--,"
     A commanding gaze from Nodoka abruptly cut him off.  Gently, Akane stole up and wrapped her arms around his left arm hugging it tight.
     "Don't complain," she said to him.  "You do need some schooling in responsibility."
     "Akane!"
     "Hush, young man," said Nodoka ending any more protest.  "You and Akane will be better off once I am done with you."
     "You see, Ranma.  Your mother is . . . me?"
     "Yes you too, Akane Tendo.  A wife must also be prepared to handle the chores of the house as is her duties."
     Akane paused.  "Uh, well that's very gracious of you, Mrs. Saotome, but--,"
     Again the commanding gaze returned to Nodoka's eyes, silencing her.
     Soun spoke up then.  "Um, Nodoka.  Akane is currently learning that now from Kasumi."
     "And I am sure she is doing a fine job," answered Nodoka.  "But she must have a life of her own, and I am here now to relieve her of this burden.  Speaking of which, where is you charming daughter?"
     "She is out shopping."
     "See.  Kasumi has more important things to worry about."
     Soun never thought of that, again forced to agree with her.
     Ranma was about to say more when his eyes caught the time on the clock.  His eyes went wide.  "Uhoh, Akane," he said.  "Weren't we supposed to be downtown getting our name tags done?"
     Akane gasped lightly.  "That's right," she said  "And our uniforms too!"
     "Name tags, uniforms?" questioned Genma.
     "Yeah, for our jobs down at Ucchans," replied Ranma.
     "We've got to hurry," said Akane, sprinting for the exit.
     "Ranma!  What about your mother?" Genma called to Ranma as he followed Akane.
     He stopped.  "Mom, we'll talk later.  You don't want us to loose our jobs before we even start now, do you?"
     Nodoka just smiled waving as he continued on.  When he was out of earshot, Nodoka cut her eyes over to her husband.  "I see there is still a lot of you in him.  The first thing I must fix."
     "Now dear," said Genma.
     "Don't you now dear me, Genma Saotome.  Come, let us sit down and discuss plans for our children over tea."
     Nodoka calmly headed down the hall; Genma and Soun shrugging to each other as they obediently followed along...

                                * * * * *

     Lying motionless on top of the home across from the Tendo Dojo, Sapparo waited patiently for his target to appear.  The hours passed by slowly, but he knew from years of training that patience was the key to success, and that success was the goal he always work for.  He could feel that it was almost time for him to begin his part of the operation, passing the word to Suin-Tan and his men of Kasumi Tendo, her father, Happosai, and the elder Saotome's arrivals at the dojo.
     Across the street he could see the darkly clad figures of his men moving into position amongst the trees and side streets awaiting the signal to strike.  Soon, very soon, thought Sapparo then the front gates opened.
     Out dashed Akane Tendo, Ranma Saotome a few steps behind her.  Ah, the quarry and his mate.  Charming.  He watched as Ranma paused to hand her money from his wallet.  They parted, stopped in mid-stride, then met to exchange a brief kiss before rushing off in opposite directions.
     Hmm, mused Sapparo.  He'd hoped that the two would stay together like Doctor Marcus wanted, but then again every good plan developed a small wrinkle somewhere along the line.  No matter, they would be dealt with eventually.
     Passing along the information over his comlink, Sapparo slinked off to stalk Ranma...

                                * * * * *

      Soun carried a tray of tea and rice cakes into the living room, setting it down on the table before Genma and Nodoka.  Sitting down, he began pouring each of them a cup while listening intently to the topic being discussed between the couple.
     "And Ranma still has his affliction?" questioned Nodoka of her husband.
     Genma swallowed lightly.  "Err, yes dear.  Unfortunately we both have not been able to purge our curses from our bodies," he answered her.
     Nodoka's brows furrowed slightly then she relaxed. Reaching out, she picked up her tea and took a sip while pondering this situation.     
    "Husband, this is not exactly a fortuitous situation our son is in."
    "Uh, yes dear.  It is quite awkward, but we have tried various way to resolve this.  Unfortunately, without success."
    "Well, we must try more direct ways," continued Nodoka taking another sip of her tea.
    "But how, Nodoka?" asked Soun.  "The curse seems to be impenetrable.  Not even Master Happosai could figure out a way to break it."
     "Humph, are you even sure he was even trying hard enough?"
     Soun and Genma started to answer, then stopped reflecting on her words.  Nodoka continued.
     "Ranma and Akane must not be inhibited in any way.  If we are to ensure their happiness, then this problem must be attacked firmly!" she finished slamming a fist down on the table top.
     The two men jumped slightly back, surprised by her outburst.
     "Now dear, there is no reason to be violent," said Genma.
     Nodoka did a trouble take at him.  "Genma Saotome, how can you be so ignorant of our son's plight?  Do you want his children to grow up not knowing which one of their parents to call 'mother'.  Is that what you want?"
     He hand started sliding down to her sleeve.
     "That's not what Genma wants, Nodoka," answered Soun.  "Believe me, he has been wracking his brains out trying to--,"
     The door bell suddenly rang.
     "Excuse me a moment," said Soun getting up.
     Leaving the two to continue their debate, Soun went to the front door.  The bell rang again, and he grabbed the handle.
     "Yes, yes, I'm coming," he said opening the door.  "Can I--, OOOOMMMMPPPHH!"
     A foot smacked him sharply in the face, Soun staggering back to the floor.  In surged four people dressed in black ninja attire pouncing on him.  A struggle ensued, Soun weathering a flurry of blows as he was quickly subdued.  They pulled him roughly to his feet.
     "(Huff, huff, huff) what is the... what is the meaning of this!" Soun raged as they began binding his arms behind his back.
     Through the doorway several more of the ninja team rushed in, deploying through the dojo.  Suin-Tan calmly entered looking around.
     "A very exquisite home, Soun Tendo," he said.
     A blow to the back of the legs put Soun on his knees.
     "Who are you!" he shouted.
     Suin-Tan raised a finger, giving him a knowing look.  The door to the living room opened and Genma stuck his head out.
     "Soun, are you--," he began.
     The sight of Soun kneeling between the intruders immediately brought fury to his temples.  His face turned down in a frown of rage and the big man stepped out ready to aid his long time friend.  He made nary a step when a sharp blow to the back of the head with the end of a Sai stunned him.  Genma dropped to the floor.
     "Nodoka, run!" cried Genma, but it was too late.
     Several of the ninja's swarmed in over him, weapons at the ready.  Before the woman could react she sat staring up at the threatening blades poised at her throat.  One of the ninja's made a slight gesture for her to get up.  She did as instructed, allowing them to lead her out into the hall.
     There the final twist of rope were being wound around Genma's arms.  Nodoka frowned not sure what was going on, then her arms were forced behind her back.  
     As they bound her, Suin-Tan walked before them looking the three over with some interest.  One of the ninja's scurried down from the upper floor and reported to him that their sweep was complete.  That confused him, and he reached into a pocket producing several pictures.  Walking up to Soun he matched his likeness, making a quick nod with his head as he did.
     "Who are you!" raged Soun again.
     Suin-Tan hardly paused, lashing out to punch Soun in the face.  "I will be asking the questions, Soun Tendo," he said.
     Matching Genma's picture, Suin-Tan stopped before Nodoka.  He held up a picture of Kasumi, comparing it with her features.  Almost, the resemblance close but it was clear that their information was incorrect.
     "Who are you, and where is Kasumi Tendo?" he asked her.
     Nodoka stared at him then looked over to her husband.  "Genma, I trust you will explain this to me?" she said.
     "Dear, I am at a loss to all of this myself," he replied.
     A hand gently took hold of Nodoka's chin, Suin-Tan guiding her head back around.  "I am talking to you... woman," he said sternly.
     "Get your hands off my wife you--,"
     A solid blow to the groin sent Genma to his knees.
     Suin-Tan's eyes cut briefly over to him, then back at Nodoka.  He awaited an answer, but the woman remained silent glaring up defiantly at him.  He arched a brow.
     "I surmise you have some relation to both this fat pig and Ranma Saotome, so I'll reserve any more inquiries for the Doctor."
     Nodoka remained motionless, but the for Soun and Genma, the mere mention of Doctor made their blood run cold.
     "Doctor!" cried Soun.  "You're working for Renon Marcus?"
     A mistake noted Suin-Tan of his comment.  No matter, they were going to meet up with him soon enough.  Motioning one of the ninja's up, Suin-Tan issued his instructions.
     "Bring the van up.  Gag and blindfold these three then get them on their way to the estate.  And be very discreet, clear?"
     The ninja nodded.
     "Young man, I don't know who you are, but you are working for somebody that should killed on sight!" growled Genma.  
     A rough wad of cloth was stuffed forcibly into his mouth quickly followed by a burlap bag over his head.  As he and Soun were forced out the door, Suin-Tan watched while Nodoka was gagged.  Her eyes never left him, the cold gaze unsettling.  When the hood was pulled down over her head, Suin-Tan motioned another ninja over.
     "Phone," he said.  A cellular comlink was placed in his hand.  Punching in a code it quickly made the connection.
     <Doctor Marcus, Phase One complete,> reported Suin-Tan.
     <Excellent,> replied Marcus.  <Any difficulties?>
     <None, but there is one change.  Kasumi Tendo was not here.  However, we captured another woman who was here at the dojo.>
     <Who is she?>
     <I believe the mother of Ranma Saotome.>
     A long pause followed.  <Interesting,> Marcus finally said.  <Well done, Suin-Tan.  Proceed to Phase Two.>
     Suin-Tan smiled.  <As you wish, Doctor Marcus.>
     A quick switch placed Suin-Tan in touch with his surveillance party.
     <Lance Team, this is Bishop.  Status.>
     <Shampoo is currently shopping in the open air market.  Mousse is with her.>
     <Cologne?>
     <This is Gold Pawn, Cologne is currently at the Nekohatten.>
     Hmm, sounded Suin-Tan.  The odds were leaning heavily in their favor now that the old sage was separate from her two charges.  Killing her will be all that much easier.
     <All units, begin Phase Two,> he said.  His words were acknowledged.
     For a short moment Suin-Tan stood reflecting on memories of his past.  The satisfaction that long burned in him remained strong, images of Mousse and Cologne lying dead playing in his mind.
     "Shampoo," he muttered lightly, then one of his people stole up reporting they were done resetting the house.  Suin-Tan signaled for them to depart.  As the last ninja exited, Suin-Tan turned walking over to the door.  He suddenly stopped, sensing a sudden change in the mood of the dojo.  A change that felt like anger.
     "Nothing," he figured, shrugging off the feeling.
     Suin-Tan made one last quick glance around then closed the door shut...

                                * * * * *

     Two beady eyes stared lustfully through the leaves of a surrounding hedge, watching with growing impatience as a woman stood hanging up freshly washed laundry.  The eyes narrowed, a low cackle sounding as several pairs of panties and bras were strung up.
The woman took up her basket and went inside the house.
     "Yes!" exclaimed Happosai exploding from out of the brush.  His small figure scampered across the lawn in a blur, a powerful leap guiding him along the clothes line, hands snatching down undergarments as he passed.  He landed holding up his bag full of booty and let out a loud laugh.
     "Oh such times!" cried Happosai.
     A scream from the doorway brought him around.  There the woman stood hands clutched tight to her chin in shook and fury.
     "WHAT ARE YOU DOING!" she cried, reaching for a near-by broom.
     "Uh oh," muttered Happosai.
     In a flash, Happosai sprinted across the yard barely managing to stay ahead of the broom's deadly swipes.  He laughed bounding over the far wall and escaped.
     Minutes later, Happosai stopped in the local park to take stock of his illicit treasures.  Alone in the clearing of a small open glen, Happosai ruffled through the piles of undergarments, rubbing them up against his face savoring their freshness.
     "Ah, what a invigorating feeling this is," he said tingling from head to toe.
     A spark flashed in his mind, Happosai tensing up.  There were presence's around him, presence's that were making concerted efforts to remain concealed.  Fools, muttered Happosai.
     From the trees arrows shot out, but the old master was a fleeting image.  He rolled across the ground and turned looking up at his attackers.
     "Idiots!" cried Happosai.  "You'll never get me, and my treasure will still remain in my possession!"
     "Who said anything about taking your treasure... Happosai?" replied a familiar voice.
     Several pops brought Happosai around to see the arrows he thought were meant for him imbedded deep into the piles of stolen underwear, burning brightly in great burst of flames.
     "Aaaaghhh!" cried Happosai.  "Not my undies!"
     A laugh filled the air, then Happosai picked out a familiar smell amid the acrid smoke.  Dread flowed through him, painful memories darkening his mind.  "Fong," he growled.
     Yun-Fong stepped out of the bushes.
     "It's been a long time, Happosai.  A meeting long overdue," he replied.
     "What are you doing here in Nerima?"
     Yun-Fong chuckled again, taking a deep drag from his cigarette.  "Why I've come to renew our acquaintance, and to... shall I say, extract all of the years of suffering and humiliation from your miserable hide."
     Several ninja's appeared from the brush surrounding Happosai.  Slowly, the old sage took stock of his opponents.  Reaching behind his back, Happosai drew out his long stemmed pipe.  He snapped his fingers over the bowl lighting the herb and hemp buds.
     Seven, noted Happosai of the ninjas around him.  Probably more unseen in the shadows.  Calmly, he turned back towards Yun-Fong.
     "So, you wish to renew our rivalry, but you bring children to assist you.  Bad form, Yun-Fong," he said.
     The insult stung the ninjas and they tensed ready to strike.  Yun-Fong raised a brow high.
     "Happi, you demented worm.  Do you really think you can squirm your way out of this, hmm?  These people are highly trained.  More than ready for your stupid tricks."
     "So then this will be nothing short of a good workout for me.  Excellent, I have not conducted my exercises for today."
     Annoyance began to build in Yun-Fong, angered by the arrogance Happosai displayed.
     "You may mock, Happosai.  When I'm through with you, the only thing you will be pleading for is mercy, and that I will not grant you."
     Happosai laughed derisively, but deep inside he knew Yun-Fong had every intention to do him bodily harm, and was quite capable of succeeding.  First thing that had to be done was escape the confines of the brush around him.
     "Ah, well Yun-Fong you talk a good game, but now I'm tired.  If you will excuse me I must be running along."
     "Don't try--,"
     Happosai's pipe turned down, the contents of the bowl falling to the ground.  A puff of white smoke billowed up, Happosai springing through the air.  The Ninjas reacted moving to cut him off.  The twirl of a pipe greeted the first pair flinging them up through the trees.  Happosai let out a laugh ducking beneath the arms of another ninja, fist rapidly pelting his chest.  A fist lashed out at the old master, but it passed harmlessly over his head; Happosai rolling between the ninja's legs.
     "You need to rework your strike, fool!" cried Happosai, giving the ninja a hard kick to the rear.
     As the ninja plowed into one of his partners, Happosai broke for the edge of the brush and open field beyond.  He leaped waving mockingly to Yun-Fong.
     "So long, Yun!  It was nice playing with you.  If your children want more instruction, I'll be happy to teach them."
     Yun-Fong stood still, taking deep drags from his cigarette.  "This is only the beginning, Happosai," he called out.  "What I have planned for you cannot be done here."
     He snapped his fingers, and directly in front of Happosai's path dropped a fine mesh net.  Happosai's eyes went wide surprised by the move, the only thing he could do as it caught him up.  Bouncing to the ground, Happosai struggled to free himself, but the net was quickly tightened around him.
     The ninjas held the squirming ball between them, muffled grunts and groans emanating from Happosai as Yun-Fong walked over.
     "I've had the pleasure of studying your latest moves, Happosai.  I anticipated this pretty well don't you think?"
     Happosai strained unable to free himself.  "Yun-Fong (uhhgghh) if I get out of this, you will pay dearly!"
     It was Yun-Fong's turn to laugh now.  "Happi, you just can't imagine how much fun I intend to have with you before I end your miserable life.  Right now you have another appointment, one I'm sure you will find most interesting."
     "What, what are you talking about.  Yun-Fong!"
     Yun-Fong drew in a deep drag from his cigarette.  "Go to sleep, Happi," he said blowing a stream of smoke into Happosai's face.
     It swirled around his face, forming into the shape of a small dragon.
     "Gaaahhhh, D-D-D-Dragon's Sleep, damn you, Yun... Yun... Yun-Fong?"
     Happosai's eyes glazed over as the smoke did its work.  A sharp prod with the end of the cigarette holder produced no response.  Yun-Fong smiled in triumph.
     "Take him away," he ordered his ninjas...


                             Chapter Three

     Ranma thanked the shopkeeper of the local tailorshop, a bundle of clothes in his arms.  He stopped at the corner checking his watch for the time.  It was only ten o'clock, Ucchans probably just opening up.  He and Akane were not due to work until three, plenty of time to clean up and get ready.
     He draped the uniforms over a shoulder and started walking towards the dojo when a sharp jerk pulled him around.  What the hell, thought Ranma as he looked angrily about.  A long length of chain snaked down from the roof across the street, a grappling claw clenched tightly around the uniforms.  Another sharp jerk, Ranma watching surprised as they shot out of his hand up into the air.
     "Hey!" he shouted dashing out into the street.
     Sitting on the edge of the roof above sat a man dressed all in black.  He waved teasingly at Ranma, holding the uniforms in his hands.
     "Hey, give those back, you bastard!" shouted Ranma.
     The stranger laughed at him.  He stood up examining Ranma's uniform.  Letting out a grunt, he shook his head looking back down.
     "You better give those clothes up before I come up there and kick your ass!"
     The mocking chuckle only angered Ranma further.  He started to spring, but at the last second his uniform was flung down into his face.  Ranma staggered back.  He jerked it from his face and glared up at the stranger again.  He was looking over Akane's dress, letting out a light hum, nodding approvingly.
     "Yo! What do you think you're doing!" raged Ranma.
     The stranger laughed at him.  With a slight turn he patted his behind then leaped away out of sight.
     "Hey! Bring that back here!" cried Ranma.
     Leaping to the top of the roof, Ranma set off in pursuit...

                                * * * * *

Nerima Open air Market;

     The crowd was light as Shampoo made her way through the aisles of fresh produce lining the streets.  Behind her, Mousse pushed a cart half full of groceries in front of him trying desperately to keep up.  Shampoo took a glance back smiling slightly at him.  This such fun, she thought enjoying her teasing of the man.  Making a quick turn, Shampoo stopped waiting for Mousse to appear.  He trundled blindly along not realizing that she was gone.
     "Mousse!" Shampoo called out, startling him.
     "What, what... Shampoo why are you over there?" asked Mousse.
     "Silly blind-boy!  Shampoo stop to shop for groceries."
     "Well at least give me a warning before you decide to disappear like that.  Remember, I'm the one whose got'a push this cart around."
     "Feh, you just slow that all."  She smacked him lightly on the head.  "Come, silly.  We still need to find vegetables for tonight's meal."
     Mousse simmered silently as Shampoo moved off down the street.  Angrily he grabbed hold of the cart and followed after her wondering why he persisted in enduring such humiliating treatment.  A quick look of Shampoo's shapely figure immediately erased his doubt, a bright smile coming to his face.
     The couple finally stopped in front of a large grocery store, long rows of fruits, vegetables, and assorted food stuff lining the front.  Shampoo walked over to a bin full of melons and began sifting through it.
     "What you think, Mousse?  Four melon or five?" she asked him.
     "Hmm, I don't know, Shampoo," answered Mousse.  "That might not be enough for a full day of servings."
     Shampoo thought.  "You right," she said.  "We make it ten!"
With that she started flinging melons through the air at him.  Mousse let out a cry, scrambling to catch them.  He juggled the first one in his hands gingerly tossing it into the cart, then chain tossed the rest right behind it.  The crowd around him applauded; Mousse breathing heavily as he looked around in bewilderment.
     "Gee, thanks," he said to them.  
     Ignoring their laughs, Mousse staggered back to the cart.  He leaned up against the hand rail slumping down with a relieved sigh.  Glancing up, his eyes stopped on a man standing slightly back near the far end of the stands watching Shampoo.  The man's gaze drifted over and their eyes met.  A twitch of a brow and slight grin appeared; he turned away moving off into the crowd.  Strange, thought Mousse.     Shampoo's call broke his attention and he hurried to catch up with her.
     They continued on, Shampoo picking and testing the produce, tossing them into the cart.  Mousse stacked them in the cart, but his eyes were cutting from side to side searching for the stranger.   
     Reaching a cross street they went left.  Just before stepping out of sight, Mousse spotted him a few paces amidst the people behind them.
Quickly he moved up next to Shampoo.  "Uh, Shampoo.  Why don't we go back to the Nekohatten.  We've got a pretty full cart here."
     Shampoo took a quick glance down into the cart.  "Still room for more," she said continuing on.
     Mousse grimaced, an uneasy feeling filling him inside.  "Uh, Shampoo, I really think we need to be going back now," he continued, taking a quick glance behind them again.
     Their tail was still with them talking into a small cellular phone.  Shampoo stopped at a stall filled with tomatoes.
     "Oh you stop, Mousse," she said taking a bag from a roll above her.  "You acting like jealous boyfriend."
     Mousse started sharply.  "Huh.  what's that supposed to mean?"
     She began filling the bag.  "You not think Shampoo not see strange man following us, do you?" she said giving him a wry look.
     "You noticed him too?"
     "Of course.  He must not be worried about hiding, or is just bad spy."
     "I don't care what he is, I want to find out what he is after," replied Mousse angrily.
     He started to turn, but Shampoo grabbed him by the arm squeezing tight.
     "You silly.  He not bothering us, and he not alone either.  Look."
     She gestured over across the street to two rough looking men standing at the corner watching them.  Mousse's eyes narrowed, then Shampoo pulled him close.
     "We not in danger as long as we in middle of crowd," she said.
     Mousse did not like the situation, but nodded.  She let him go and they continued on towards the next set of stalls.  Behind them, the stranger dogging their path hung up his phone.  He smirked, realizing that the couple was aware of their presence.  The stranger raised a hand rubbing his thumb and forefingers together, signaling the two men across the street.  They immediately turned and moved ahead, passing the signal along to the rest of their companions lying in wait.
     "So what do you think they want?" asked Mousse as the couple stopped to examine a stall laden with, much to Mousses chagrin, plucked ducks.
     Shampoo picked up a few, placing them on a scale.  "I not know.  Maybe they from rival restaurant trying to see what we use for meals."  Her eyes cut over to him, then she held up one of the heads.  "Duck?" she said with a sly grin.
     "Get out of here!" snapped Mousse.
     Shampoo giggled.  "Maybe they from TV show wanting Shampoo to do commercial for them?  Is good chance, no?"
     "No," replied Mousse.  "Those guys look like trouble, and I don't like being out of familiar territory if they try to start something."
     Shampoo nudged him sharply in the ribs.  "Always negative!  Be quiet and hold scale still so Shampoo can see how much this cost."
     Frowning, Mousse reached up turning the face of the scale towards her.  In the reflection of the glass he spotted the two men they had just seen walking towards them through the crowd determined looks on their face.
     "Uh oh," he said.
     "Uh oh what?"
     "Um, Shampoo I think the crowd cover has just worn off."
     Together they turned with curious looks as the men approached.  Suddenly, one of them grabbed something at his wrist, pulling a long slim strand of silver wire out.  He wrapped the grip around his hand and locked a vicious sneer on Mousse.
     "Well, there goes your TV theory, Shampoo," said Mousse.
     It appeared that a fight was about to break out, and the couple readied themselves.  A sharp cry split the air, a figure bursting up from behind the stand.  It was a ninja wielding a long sword up over his head ready to split Mousse in two.  Mousse executed a back roll tumbling underneath the stands as the blow swished over him.
     "Hey!  What have I done to you?" he cried as they set upon him.
     In a flash Shampoo was in action.  She kicked the swordsman in the face launching him up through the covering, turned on her leg with a following sweep connecting across the other two men's chins.  Screams and cries of fear rang out as the crowd around them scattered to escape the growing brawl.
     "Mousse, you hurt!" cried Shampoo.
     Mousse crawled out from beneath the stall nursing the lump on his head.  "Not particularly bad," he replied.
     "Well get up!  We need--, huh?"
     Up the street surged six more assailant rushing towards her wielding an assortment of weapons in their hands.  She sneered contemptuously at them, charging out to attack.  Mousse called out for her to stop, but the Amazon blood in the Chinese woman burned hot in her veins.
     "Nobody attack Shampoo for no reason and get away with it.  EEEEYYYYAAAHHH!"
     Her fist flew, dropping the first attacker dead in his tracks, blasting a second then third into the shop across the street.  The end of a blunted Sai lashed out catching Shampoo knocking her legs from under her.  She slammed painfully to the street rolling instinctively aside as one of the thugs tried to pin her with his body.  Shampoo did a handstand and twirled her body around catching him as he look up surprised by the move.  The satisfying crack of bone sounded, Shampoo backflipping out of their reach, landing on her feet.
     "Now who are you!" she shouted.
     A pair of arms suddenly wrapped themselves around her from behind, lifting Shampoo up into the air.  She struggled in the grip, then he cried out as Mousse landed a solid punch to the side of his head.
     "Sorry I'm late," he said turning to face the large group rushing up from behind.
     Mousse flicked his arms, nunchaku sliding into his hands.  They flashed into action whipping around in a blur deflecting staffs, knives and throwing stars coming for him.  Cries filled the air, bodies crumpling to the ground as he beat them back.
     "Run, Shampoo!" he called over his shoulder.
     "Mousse, what about you?" she called back to him.
     "They're after you for some reason, now run!"
     Shampoo turned with every intention to do as he said, but she stopped shocked by the person standing behind her.
     "Suin-Tan?" she gasped gazing fearfully up into his eyes.
     Suin-Tan could barely hold back his delight at seeing Shampoo again.  His chest filled with joy, an amorous twinkle lit bright in his eyes.
     "Shampoo, I have finally found you," he said smiling brightly.
     Her mouth sagged open.  "S-S-Suin-Tan, what you doing in Nerima?" she said.
     "I've come for you, Shampoo," he replied moving closer.
     She stepped back.  "Me?  What you want Shampoo for?"
     "To make you mine, Shampoo, as it should have been so long ago."  His gaze cut over to the brawl raging behind her.  "And to kill Mousse."
     "No!" cried Shampoo backing away.  She turned only to find a row of ninjas blocking her path.  Suin-Tan grabbed an arm, jerking her back around.
     "There is no escaping this Shampoo.  You are now mine, and I will have you with or without your consent," he said.
     Shampoo pulled free from his grasp, placing an angry scowl on her face.  "Never, Suin-Tan.  You not ever have Shampoo, even if you succeed in defeating me in combat.  NEVER!"
     "This is not the time or place for us to talk, Shampoo," replied Suin-Tan.  His eyes narrowed, anger briefly rushing through his veins.  "Accept your fate, woman."
     Shampoo turned to face the ninjas again.  "Mousse!" she cried out ready to fight her way through them, but a heavy thud hit her on the back of the head.  She slumped, Suin-Tan catching her before she could fall.
     "No, Shampoo," he said turning her around.  "My name will be the only one you will call now."
     Shampoo's cry was not missed by Mousse.  Battling back the ninjas around him, he charged ready to fight his way through all of nine hells if need be.  When he caught sight of Suin-Tan, Mousse came to an abrupt stop.
     "Suin-Tan?" he said incredulously.
     Suin-Tan draped Shampoo's unconscious form over a shoulder.  "So, the talking mole still lives," he said laughing derisively at him.
     "Suin-Tan, what the hell are you doing here.  What have you done to Shampoo?"
     "I am taking what is rightfully mine, Mousse.  Say good-bye to Shampoo because you will never see her again."
     Mousse took and angry step towards him, only to have the ninjas around him thrust their weapons out.  He stopped and glared angrily at his long past opponent.
     "You bastard.  Let her go!" he shouted.
     Suin-Tan laughed again.  "Never.  Shampoo belongs to me now.  A possession I will take better care of than you have."
     Fury boiled up in Mousse's ears, chest heaving.  He shook an angry fist at him.  "Suin-Tan, if you so much as hurt her in the smallest of ways, I will hunt you down and tear you limb from limb.  There will be no place on this earth you can hide from me!"
     "Impressive," said Suin-Tan.  "The mole finally found his nerve.  To bad it is all for naught."
     With a slight gesture of his head, the ninjas started to slowly close in.  Mousse took stance looking frantically around as they approached.
     "Oh and Mousse," called Suin-Tan.  Mousse looked at him.  "I do have one thing for you.  A message."
     "A message?"
     "Yes.  Doctor Marcus sends his warmest regards."
     A haggard breath escaped Mousse.  "M-M-Marcus?"
     Suin-Tan smiled.  "I knew that would thrill you.  Good-bye forever... Mousse."  He turned walking away out of sight.
     "SUIN-TAN!" cried Mousse as the ninjas moved in for the final kill...

                               * * * * *

The Nekohatten, Nerima

     Cologne spooned out several dumplings into a soup bowl, placing it on a tray at the serving counter.  Hopping around, she lifted it up, delivering the food to the people waiting patiently at their table.
     "Here you are," she said setting the meals before them.  "One family lunch special as ordered."
     They thanked her and she moved off to prepare the next order.  Stopping briefly to gaze out the front door, Cologne's withered lips turned down in a slight frown.
     "Those two are taking to long with the shopping," she grumbled to herself, hopping back to the kitchen.  "Don't they realize we have customers to serve.  Money does not sprout from the ground!"
     Angrily, she leaped back up on to her stool, dumping a portion of raw cabbage into a wok.  As she stirred, her mind mulled over the situation with Shampoo, and the stagnating progress being made on Ranma.
     Akane's grip has grown tighter on the boy, she thought solemnly.  Especially after that horrid debacle a few months back concerning Marcus.  Almost loosing her grandchild made the blood run cold, fear she never thought she would ever feel again over such a prospect reaching into the very marrow of her aged bones.  What bothered her even more was the degree of fear she felt at the prospect of loosing Mousse as well.
     Was it just the fact that she'd gotten used to him being around, or had she finally come to realized and respect the boys position with regards to Shampoo?  Cologne did not miss the playful teasing Shampoo did to Mousse.  Recently, it was becoming more and more common, and that alone signaled trouble.
     Abruptly, she stopped and stared out into open space.  "Could Shampoo be loosing her resolve as an Amazon?" she said.
     The thought brought more worries to mind, but she shook them off, returning to the task at hand.  There would have to be a long talk between her and her grand-daughter once the day was over.
     The front bell chimed and Cologne looked out to see how many more customers she would have to serve.  There was only one, a postman standing at the doorway gazing around the restaurant.
     "Yes?" said Cologne, bounding out to meet him.
     A slight twitch of the eyes turned down to her; Cologne regarding him warily.  He slowly smiled.
     "Package for Ms. Shampoo?" he said.
     "A package.  For Shampoo?" she replied.
     The postman reached into his bag, producing a medium sized box wrapped in brown paper.  Cologne took it, turning it around to read the return address.  'SAOTOME' it read.
     "Ranma?" gasped Cologne in utter shock.
     The Postman's smile grew wider.  "Um, excuse me, ma'am," he said holding a pen and pad down.
     Cologne etched in her name.  He tore off a receipt handing it to her then bid her good day.                             
     "Now what in the world would Ranma be sending to Shampoo?" wondered Cologne heading back to the kitchen.
     She shook the box, listening for any clues as to what was inside.  Nothing, Cologne held it up before her, turning the box end over end her curiosity aroused.
     "Has Ranma finally come to his senses and is trying to make up for his past misdeeds?"
     Impatience finally took over.  Cologne took hold of an end and was just about to tear off the wrapping when one of her customers called asking for service.  She hesitated, then reluctantly placed the box up under the counter.
     "Coming," said Cologne hopping over to take the order...
                                                                45: 00

                                * * * * *

     Ranma jumped across roofs desperately trying to close the distance between him and the thief carrying off Akane's uniform.  He was fast, thought Ranma as they bounded up to the top of a local bank.  The thief dashed across and leaped out of sight, and when Ranma reached the edge had disappeared from view.
     Gazing around the adjoining roofs, Ranma stood perplex at how fast he'd vanished.  Hiding, that was the only explanation he could think of, but where?  The street below was wide open.  He would have seen him if he went down there.  The roof across from him was also open, a few machinery sheds and air conditioning vents scattered about.
     Ranma scowled angrily, muttering several curses as he leaped across.  He landed in a defensive stance, eyeing the nearest shed.  Moving cautiously towards it, Ranma was suddenly stung in the back by a sharp snap of cloth.  He let out a yelp and spun around.
There stood the thief chuckling at him.
     "What the hell?" wondered Ranma.
     "Sloppy, Ranma," said the thief.  In a flash he moved, executing a cross kick that caught Ranma up under the chin.
     Ranma tumbled across the hot roof top to a stop against the side of the shed.  He drew in a deep breath, then angrily look back.  "You son of a--."  
     A pause.
     "Hey, how the hell did you know my name?" asked Ranma as he stood up.
     The thief laughed again.  "Never discount your rearguard, Saotome," he said pointing down at the edge of the roof.
    "Who the hell are you!?" cried Ranma.  The thief remained silent, staring at him humor bright in his eyes.  The coppery taste of blood touched Ranma's tongue, a small cut splitting his bottom lip.  He swallowed as anger built up inside.
     "Whoever you are, you're about to get the trouncing of your life!"
With that Ranma lunged at the thief.  His hands met nothing but empty air, a quick blur shooting off to one side.
     "Never let anger drive your attack, Ranma," said the thief, kicking him hard in the rear.
     Ranma stumbled, rolling across the roof into the edge.  He growled, shooting to his feet and attacked again.  This time the thief stood immobile, allowing him to approach.  A few steps out, he suddenly tossed Akane's uniform up into the air.
     "Huh?" wondered Ranma, skidding to a stop.
     A mistake, rapid punches catching him under the chin.  "Never look away from your opponent," said the thief, effortlessly catching Akane's uniform as Ranma rocketed back across the roof.
     Stars filled Ranma's eyes.  He looked up at him, stunned.  "Who the hell are you?" he asked again.
     The thief's eyes narrowed.  "I am your new sensei, and soon to be your Master," he replied in a chilling tone.  Ranma sneered angrily at him, unable to make sense out of what he was saying.
     "Come, Ranma," continued the thief.  "Our game is not over yet."      He darted away, jumping over to the next roof.
     Ranma quickly got to his feet and went after him...
                                                                35:00

                               * * * * *

Sax's of Asia, Nerima Mall;

     Hikaru Gosunkugi struggled amid his grunts and sighs to balance the multitude of boxes piled three high in his arms.  He trundled along, taking occasional peeks around the sides to keep track of the young woman of which his burden belonged.
     "Nabiki," he called out hurrying to catch up with Nabiki Tendo.
     The middle sister of the Tendo clan barely slowed her pace.  "Yes, Hikaru?" she said.
     "Uh, I don't mean to impose, but how is my slaving for you going to get me the secret to Akane's heart?"
     Nabiki held back her snickers, thinking about how she was taking advantage of the poor love-struck boy.  Okay, a harmless prank, nevertheless she was not about to miss the opportunity to glean some sort of profit from Gosunkugi's forlorned hopes.  Shopping seemed to be the best way to go, and since it was a big sale day, no sense in letting the chance go to waste.
     "Oh, really, Hikaru," she replied feigning an exasperated sigh.  "How many times must I tell you.  Information is not cheap, and my information is in great demand."
     "But (ugh), but Nabiki, I still don't think (oof) restocking your wardrobe is (gasp) such a fair price to pay."
     "Are we complaining?"
     Hikaru blanched, not wishing to jeopardize his standing with her.    
     "Uh, not really... at least not to loud--,"
     "I'll have you know, Hikaru Gosunkugi, that this information is reserved.  Not may people know what I am about to give you."
     "Really!"
     Nabiki could imagine the brightness in his eyes.  "Yes.  So buying me clothes should be considered generous.  I could have asked for hard currency instead."
     "And I could be saving my back right now, too," muttered Hikaru.
     "What was that?"
     "Oh nothing!"
     Turning down an aisle, Nabiki stopped in front of a shoe display.  Eagerly she eyed the variety of styles, a light tremble coursing through her body as she struggled to make a decision.  Hikaru felt his wallet cringe.
     A saleswoman walked up; Nabiki immediately going into action.    
     "I'll take this pair, and this pair," she began pointing around the display.  A light moan from Hikaru sounded but she just smiled ignoring his anguish.
     Several painful minutes later, the two were heading towards the main entrance, Nabiki's lust binge finally sedated.
     "Looks like you are going to need a new card," commented Nabiki, holding up Hikaru's well-worn credit card.
     Gosunkugi could not answer her, struggling with the heap of bags in his hands.  They reached the curb and Nabiki stopped.
     "Okay, Hikaru," she said.  "You can set those down here while I flag us a cab."
     "Well, you could... you could at least... help me with a few of these, Nabiki," grunted Hikaru.
     She laughed, taking a few of the bags from the pile.  Abruptly, Nabiki stopped.  A frown appeared, her eyes cutting from side to side.  Hikaru thought another rampage was about to begin.  He stood ready to run, but she started lifting the bag in her hand up and down.
     "I'm light," said Nabiki.
     "Light?"
     "Something is missing."  She opened the bag and began rummaging through it.
     Hikaru stood perplexed.  "How would you know what the weight is of each bag?  If I remember correctly it was my back and arms collapsing under your burden."
     "Hush, pack-mule.  It's a woman thing.  You men will never, ever understand it."
     She shuffled through the clothes, then looked up.  "My Frilly Lace Nighties," Nabiki said.  "My Frilly Lace Nighties with quick release straps are gone!"
     "Nighties?" stammered Hikaru.  A slow rush of blood began coloring his cheeks.  "Nighties?" he said again.
     "What did you do with them, Hikaru?  How could you forget something of such importance!"
     "Wait, wait, Nabiki.  Calm down. M-m-maybe their in another bag and--,"
     Nabiki was up on him.  "Negative, young man.  I distinctly remember telling you to place them in this bag."
     A hesitant pause followed, Gosunkugi's eye widening.  "Uh--,"
     "You left them behind.  You left them behind!  Hikaru, how could you do such a thing.  I had distinct plans with a certain somebody with those, and now you've gone and lost them!"
     "I, I, well, I... look you have lot's of other clothes here.  I don't think a small square of crushed silk will be missed."
     "So, I see we don't want that information after all."
     "No, no, Nabiki!  Please, I want it, I just--,"
     "Then move this stuff over to the side, then go back and get my Frilly Lace Nighties with the quick release straps!"
     Quickly, Hikaru did as instructed piling the bags next to a nearby planter.  He turned ready to rush back inside, then paused thinking a moment.
     "Are you sure--,"
     "Get going," snapped Nabiki cutting off his protest.
     Sighing, Hikaru scurried off to retrieve her items.
     "Men," muttered Nabiki as she propped herself up on the edge of the planter.  "The things we do to please them.  They should be just conditioned at an early age, ready to provide services with the snap of a finger!"
     Patiently, she waited for Gosunkugi's return gazing around at the hustling crowd moving around her.  A noise caught her ears, the faint warble of sirens approaching from the far street.  Curiously she peered up trying to catch a glimpse of the vehicles, wondering where they were going.  A flash appeared around the corner, three police cars screeching to a stop in the middle of the street.  People scurried out of their path as policemen piled out.  Three more rolled up from the other side disgorging their occupants as well.
     "Hmm, what do we have here?" wondered Nabiki.  "Some cheap entertainment.  Good, I was getting bored."
     A black car appeared, coming to a stop in front of the police cars.  From the passengers side, a lean, well groomed man stepped out dressed in a beige suit and sporting dark shades.  He pulled them off, smoothing back the sides of his jet black hair then started conversing with the policemen around him.
     "Ooh, a detective," said Nabiki.  "This must be really serious.  I wonder what's going on?"
     From out of the mall appeared a security guard.  He walked over to the police, said a few things into the walkie-talkie in his hands, then pointed at her.  All eyes shifted, a series of dark glares forming immediately after that.
     Nabiki perked up, glancing around her searching for whatever it was that held their attention.  The detective placed a serious look on his face and started walking towards her.
     "Nabiki Tendo?" he said in a malicious tone.
     Nabiki swallowed the lump of fear in her throat.  Slowly she stood up.  "I'm Nabiki Tendo... YEEEEEK!"
     SHLINK!
     CLICK!
     CLICK!
     Nabiki's wrist were cuffed behind her as the detective roughly forced her around.
     "Okay.  We seem to have a small problem here!" exclaimed Nabiki.
     A hard hand gripped her by the back of the neck.  "Shut up!" scowled the detective.  He jerked her over to the black car ignoring her cries of pain, slamming her face down onto the hood.
     Uh oh, somebody must have traced down my tap into the Nikkei Exchange Tickler, thought Nabiki.
     "Um, excuse me.  You don't need to be so rough.  I would appreciate it if somebody would tell me what I've done WRONG!"
     "I said be quiet!" shouted the detective.  "Nabiki Tendo, you are under arrest!" he said, kicking her legs apart.
     "No Duh!" snapped Nabiki.  "Mind telling me what for?"
     Her request was ignored, a policeman conducting a patdown of her body.
     "Look, if this is about certain stock tips, I can explain all that."
     The detective frowned.  "Stock tips?  You disgust me, you low life terrorist!"
     Terrorist?  Nabiki started to feel panic welling up in her chest.  "I don't think I'm following you."
     She was jerked upright; the detective sneering at her with contempt.  "People like you should be executed on the spot like the scum you are," he snarled at her.
     "What do you mean.  What are you talking about?"
     He opened the back door.  "I'm talking about the attempted assassinations of the Prime Minister, and His Highness; the Emperor, you bitch!"
     An audible murmur passed through the surrounding crowd at the charge.
     "Wait!" cried Nabiki.  "You got the wrong Nabiki Tendo.  I've done nothing like that."
     "You lie," answered the detective.  "We have all the evidence we need."  He thrust her inside.  "We've got you, and soon we'll get the rest of your terrorist gang."
     "Gang?  B-But I'm innocent, I tell you.  Please, you've got to believe me!"
     The door slammed shut, Nabiki staring wide-eyed out the window.  Amid the crowd, Gosunkugi's pale face watched in silence as the detective gave out instructions to his people.  They were obviously deploying to search the mall, and since he was with Nabiki, that search would probably be centered on him.  He drew back, hands pressed nervously to his lips.
     What to do now, thought Hikaru.  No way would he be able to overpower that monster of a detective.  This situation called for additional help, help he knew could only come from one person.  It pained him, but Gosunkugi inched his way through the crowd.  He managed a last peek out watching as the police car with Nabiki inside pulled away, then darted down the street to get Ranma...

                              Chapter Four

                                                                25:00

     Suin-Tan walked triumphantly down the center of the street, ignoring the cries and protest of his bound captive draped over one shoulder.  Around him, a protective ring of Marcus's men prevented anyone looking on from interfering with threatening stares and gestures.
     Shampoo squirmed violently against the thick strips of reinforced duct tape binding her wrist and ankles together, jerking with no success to dislodge herself from Suin-Tan's tight grip.
     "Suin!" she raged.  "You let Shampoo go!"
     Suin-Tan laughed.  "Oh no, Shampoo.  You are mine, and I will make every effort to kept it this way."
     "You bastard!  Shampoo not for you!  Only one man for Shampoo, and he will come to crush you once he find out you kidnap me!"
     "Who, Mousse?" replied Suin-Tan.  He let out a derisive snort.    
     "Your mole-man is probably lying face down in the gutter right now bleeding to death."
     "I not mean him!"
     Suin stopped.  He took Shampoo by the waist and held her up before him.  "You have another lover?"
     "Yes, Ranma Saotome.  He will come, you see!"
     Confusion, Suin-Tan looking down to the ground thinking hard.  "Ranma Saotome?  I could have sworn he was in love with some tomboy by the name of Akane," he said.
     "She of minor nuisance.  Shampoo--, how you know about Akane Tendo?"
     Suin-Tan set her down.  "So, it seems I must kill Ranma Saotome as well.  No matter, the opportunity is there.  I'm sure the good Doctor will take care of that for me."
     A light gasp came from Shampoo, her eyes full of fear at his remark.  "Doctor!" she said, then in a flash jumped up backflipping away.  Her feet caught Suin-Tan beneath the chin surprising him, but causing no serious injury.
     "Stop her!" he shouted to his men around him.  They surged, piling on top of the hobbled Chinese woman as she landed in the street.  Desperately she struggled to squirm free.
     "No!  Suin-Tan you not working for Doctor Marcus.  He madman, he try to kill Great-grandmother!" she said.
     "Something I will be completing for him," he answered her.
     "No, No, you not kill Great-Grandma.  No... HELP!"
     "I see you need another nap," growled Suin-Tan.
     He grabbed a fist full of Shampoo's hair, pulling her head up ready to deliver a blow, when from down the far end of the street behind them a cry was heard.  "Eh?" muttered Suin-Tan wondering what was causing such a commotion.
     Several bodies sailed out from the intersection, then a familiar figure rushed out stopping to look around.  It was Mousse, holding a commandeered pole in one hand, chest heaving from his exertions.  His long white gown was torn and shredded, speckles of blood staining what remained.  Cuts and bruises dotted Mousse's arms and torso, but he ignored the pain desperate to find Shampoo.
     "Well now I am impressed," muttered Suin-Tan standing up.
     Mousse caught sight of them.  He flicked his glasses up briefly, then sneered as he made out his opponents form.  Their eyes met; a curl of the lip enhancing the dark fury written on Mousse's face.
     "SUIN-TAN!" he cried breaking into a run.
     "MOUSSE!" cried Shampoo, before a sharp blow to the chin sent her back into unconsciousness.
     Suin-Tan took note of the time.  Tarrying now would cost him meeting up with Itchioni, and Marcus was very specific about apprehending Kasumi Tendo.  He longed to engage Mousse one-on-one, but thought it best to avoid the confrontation for now.
     "Delay him," he ordered, slinging Shampoo over a shoulder.     
     Several of Suin-Tan's escort rushed out to intercept Mousse as he and the remainder ran off.
     Mousse let out a cry swinging the pole in his hands around deflecting the blows directed at him.  He countered viciously pummeling an attacker with sharp thrust to the chest, dropping him to the ground.  A short sword flashed, Mousse barely managing to parry the attack ducking up under the ninja's arm.  A sharp kick knocked him away, and he shot to his feet taking stance in the center of the street.
     The ninja's surrounded Mousse, blocking his attempts to get past.  Mousse paused to take in the situation.  He could see Suin-Tan and company disappearing around the next corner, desperately taking steps to continue pursuit, but the ninja's followed right along.
     "Get outt'a my way!" he shouted jinxing to the other side.  They laughed at him.
     Time was slipping away fast.  A quick glance at the buildings around him, Mousse shot across the street.  The ninja's followed moving in to cut him down, but with a quick thrust he forced the pole in his hands down at the base of the building.  Using it for support, Mousse ran up the side, surprising them all vaulting over their heads.  He was running up the street ignoring their cries, scampering around the corner.
     Far ahead, he spotted Suin-Tan loading Shampoo into the back of a van.  "No!" raged his mind and he picked up the pace.  A shruikin clipped away part of his hair, reminding him of the assailants behind him.  In a flash he rounded on them, the pole striking with deadly efficiency.  Three of the ninja's fell, the remainder pouncing on him.
Mousse brought the pole up catching two of them in the chest, but their weight forced the weapon out of his grip.  As they fell over him, he turned planting a solid fist straight into the face of the next attacker. Mousse ducked low as the sword from the last ninja cut a swipe through the air above his head.  Catching his arm, Mousse stepped into the ninja's blow.  He twisted down disarming him, then brought an elbow back hard to his sternum.  The ninja let out a throttled cough, cut short as he was lifted up end over end and slammed down onto the concrete sidewalk.
     With the threat eliminated, Mousse looked back up the street.  Suin-Tan stood inside the van straddling Shampoo's inert form.  He gave Mousse a complimentary nod acknowledging his skills before rapping the side of the van.  It jerk, then started speeding away.
Desperately, Mousse looked around for a means of transportation to catch up with the fleeing van.  Spotting a delivery boy standing in the crowd of people around him, he ran over jerking it from him.
     "Hey, let go of my bike!" protested the delivery boy.
     "Sorry guy, but I need to borrow this.  It's an emergency!" answered Mousse as he peddled away.
     Exasperated looks were exchanged between Suin-Tan and the ninja's observing this determined attempt to stop them.  Narrowing an eye, he told the driver to speed up, not caring if they hit anybody in the process.  The driver did, but Mousse pressed on.  His legs were a blur, the bike slowly closing the distance between them.
     Shampoo's sudden murmur caught Suin-Tan's attention.  He looked down seeing her eyes flutter open.
     "The mole is persistent," he said to her.
     Groggily, Shampoo looked out the open doors.  Her eyes focused, then she made out Mousse's form.
     "Mousse!" she pleaded to him.  "Mousse, help me!"
     Mousse could not hear her, but he saw her face and the look of fear etched in her eyes.  "I'm coming, Shampoo," he said putting every last ounce of strength left in him into his efforts.
     Suin-Tan sneered down at Shampoo for a moment.  He reached over taking a jack handle from it's mounts and waited until the moment was right to toss it out the door.
     It was almost as if he was moving slow motion, Mousse's cry of pain and surprise echoing long through the air as the handle smacked him in the chin.  He fell back, the delivery bike tumbling away, skidding to a painful stop along the street.
     Jeers and laughs called out from Suin-Tan and his ninja's humored by the crash.  Shampoo cried, tears wetting her cheeks as the last hope of rescue faded away.  "MOOOOUUUUSSSSSSEEEEE!" she wailed at the top of her lungs.
     Suin-Tan sneered.  "Go back to sleep, Shampoo," he said, rapping her hard on the back of the head.  Looking at Mousse, Suin-Tan called out to him.
     "So long, Mousse.  Don't worry though, I will be back to kill you.  Count on it!"
     The van sped off, leaving Mousse staring helplessly as it rounded the corner.  He hung his head, exhaustion starting to catch up with him.  The searing sting from the various scrapes and cuts he had pleaded for attention, but he shook it all off.  "I'm going to need help," he muttered.
     Willing himself to stand, Mousse stared briefly down the street, then turned making his way back towards the center of town...

                                * * * * *

Ucchans;

     Opportunities arose at odd times, thought Ukyo Kuonji as she served the customers in Ucchans.  Again and again she milled the prospects of having Ranma and Akane working for her, imagining the schedule she'd work up that would keep the two from being so close together.  Oh the times she could spend working Ranma's love back her way, memories of their childhood together passing in her mind.
     Placing a plate down on the counter in front of a customer, Ukyo paused to gaze up at the clock.  Hmm, twelve fifteen.  That's odd.  Normally her place would be filling with more people right now.  There was hardly anyone there.
     "Ukyo," called a voice from behind.  It was Konatsu, standing next to the side door filling a delivery box with take-out orders.  The slender man hefted the box from the floor and placed it in a holder on the delivery bike next to him.
     "Yes, Konatsu?"
     "I have a lot of orders here.  Think Tsubasa can break away and help me deliver some of them?"
     She could see no reason not to spare the other half of her hired help, calling back to the kitchen.  Tsubasa Kurenai's head appeared around the corner, his light cheery expression rankling Ukyo's nerves.  
     "Tsubasa, can you give Konatsu a hand with deliveries.  We've got a lot today."
     Tsubasa stepped out, drying his hands on the apron he wore.  "Are you going to be able to handle everything by yourself, Ukyo?" he asked.
     Ukyo glanced around at the sparsely populated diner.  "Uh, I don't think I'll have any troubles," she replied.  "Besides, Ranma and Akane should be here shortly to start their training."
     A brief frown at the mere mention of Ranma's name crossed Tsubasa's face.  She noticed his jealous glint, pointing the spatula in her hand at him.
     "Don't start with me, Kurenai," she finished, anticipating his next words.
     With a sigh, Tsubasa pulled off the apron and went into the back to grab the other delivery bike.  Konatsu's light chuckles brought Ukyo around.
     "And the joke is?" she asked, narrowing an eye at him.
     "Oh, just thinking about how interesting life will be around here once Ranma and Akane start working.  I can see the fireworks n--,"
     "Get going with those orders," snapped Ukyo.
     Konatsu grinned, wheeling the bike out the door.
     "Sometimes," commented Ukyo as she returned to her work.
     Tsubasa appeared, loading what remained of the orders onto the second bike.  "You really know how to hurt a person," he said.  "And after all the things we've been through these past few months."
     "WAH!  Now get going before Konatsu gets to far ahead."
     Tsubasa hurried out the door.
     His comment though sent Ukyo back into deep thought again.  True, they really had been through a lot.  Tsubasa going so far as to risk his life for her, taking a bullet that dark night outside the Diet Building grounds.  A shudder passed through Ukyo, the memories of the ordeal as Renon Marcus's slave coming back to haunt her.  Hopefully, they'd seen the last of him or anyone like that forever.
     The ring from the telephone in the back office called, Ukyo excusing herself to go and answer it.
     <Hello, Ucchans, Ukyo Kuonji speaking.  Can I take your order?>
     <Ukyo?> replied a man's voice.
     Ukyo frowned glancing down at the receiver.  <Yes?>
     <Ah, it is so good to hear your voice once again.>
     <Really.  And to whom am I speaking with?>
     <An old acquaintance.  I'm surprised you don't remember me.>
     There was something familiar about his voice.  She thought, then smiled.  <Ranma, are you playing games with me?>
     <Ranma?  Insults are not becoming of you, Ukyo,> answered the man.
     She smirked.  <Insult... Kurenai, is this you?  If it is, I find nothing funny about your joke.  So if you want to keep working for me, you'd better hang up now!>
     <Work for you?> A short chuckle.  <I do not think that is ever going to happen.>
     Ukyo started to get angry.  <Who is this!> she said.
     <In due time. In due time, Ukyo Kuonji.  I'll be seeing you... very soon.>
     He hung up, Ukyo staring dumbfounded at the receiver in her hand.  Must be some salesman trying to wheedle his way into a sale, she mused replacing the phone in it's cradle.  Something about that voice though... nah, just coincidence.
     Shrugging off the notion, Ukyo stepped back out front and abruptly stopped dead in her tracks.  Her dining room was completely empty, not a soul in sight.  Seated at the counter were three people, their features hidden behind open newspapers.  A long pause followed, then the center customer spoke.
     "Well, aren't you going to take our orders," he said.
     Slowly, Ukyo walked up to the counter.  She tried peering around and over the papers, but the three men held them to high for her to see who it was.
     "Okay, so what will you be having?" she asked.
     "French Fries.  Lot's of French Fries," said the man on the left.
     Ukyo smirked.  She glanced down at the deep fryer, noticing that it was turned off.  "It will be a moment.  Can you wait?"
     "Sure."
     "Great.  And you gentlemen?" 
     "I'd like some rice," ordered the man on the right.
     "Plain?"
     "Oh yes.  Can't have any heavy sauces fouling up my insides."
     "Hmm, I see.  And you, sir?"
     "I would like... I would like to see Mister Ukyo Kuonji if that is possible."
     The papers folded down, Ukyo letting out a surprised squeal as she immediately recognized the Zuchen brothers.  She took a step back staring at them for a moment.  A smile appeared on her face.
     "Rei, Bien-so, Huuchu-so!  Long time no see.  How have you guys been?" she said.
     "Oh we've been fine.  Can be better, but for now we are fine," answered Rei.
     "Just fine, eh.  You guys have certainly filled out since I last saw you."
     "You think so?" said Bien-so, looking down at his body.  "We do try to keep ourselves in tip-top shape."
     Rei's stern gaze silenced his brother.
     "So what brings you guys to Nerima?" continued Ukyo.
     Rei rested his elbows on the counter.  He placed his chin on his fist and leaned forward giving her a smug stare.  "You," he replied.
     "Me?"
     "Yes,... you."
     Uhoh, this feels like trouble, thought Ukyo.  Her eyes cut between the brothers, noting the cold glares they were giving her.
     "Sooo I take it this is not exactly a friendly social visit?" she said.
     "Far from it, Ukyo," said Rei.
     Nervously, Ukyo rubbed the back of her neck.  She looked around letting out several troubled sighs, then chewed lightly on her bottom lip.  "Look guys, I really don't want any trouble in my restaurant, okay.  I mean I just got the place remodeled after Tsubasa's last tantrum.  I really can't afford to do it again."
     Rei laughed, Bien-so and Huuchu-so joining in.  He sat back.  "Ah yes, Tsubasa Kurenai.  By small chance is he in?"
     Ukyo turned a wary eye to them.  "What do you want with Tsubasa.  For that matter, where do you know him from?" she asked.
     "We're supposed to obliterate him," said Bien-so.
     "What?"
     "You know.  Kill him," explained Huuchu-so.
     "K-K-Kill him!  Tsubasa.  But why?"
     "We have our instructions," said Rei.
     "From who!?"
     "From--," started Huuchu-so, only to have Rei cut him off with a angry shout.
     "Shut up," he snapped at his brother.  Looking back around, Rei arched a brow.  "It is obvious that he is not here, so we'll return later to finish that part of the job."
     "And now you think you're going to kill me, is that it?"
     "No.  Not right away.  You can come quietly and spare your precious restaurant, even though you will never be managing it again, or resist and let us beat the stuffing out of you."
     Definitely not a social visit, muttered Ukyo again, rubbing her neck once more.
     "Guy's," she pleaded.  "Okay, if it's an apology you want, I'm sorry for beating you up while we were in school.  You've got to admit though, you were a real bunch of bullies."
     Rei's brows furrowed together; Ukyo realizing that was not a good choice of words.
     "Um, strike that last comment," she said.
     "Oh no, Ukyo.  This is gone far beyond that.  You've got to understand our position."
     "Yeah, especial since we know now that you're a bitch," added Bien-so."
     Ukyo started inching away from the counter.  "I'm not going anywhere," she said.
     "Ho, she's gonna fight!" exclaimed Huuchu-so.
     Rei was pleased.  "Excellent.  I was hoping you would resist.  I did not think the Kuonji spark had dimmed over the years."  He cut his eyes to either side.  "Gentlemen."
     Bien-so and Huuchu-so whipped out their deadly nunchaku, clacking the ends together with anticipation.  Rei reached behind him, pulling out his battle staff.  A tight squeeze extended it to full length.
     "Hold on," Huuchu-so suddenly said.  "Ukyo, do you think I can still get those fries?"
     Ukyo, Rei, and Bien-so stared incredulously at him.  He shrugged.     
     "Hey, I could use something to eat right about now," he finished.
     Rei sneered.  "Get up and get her!" he snarled at his brother.
     Immediately, Huuchu-so leaped over the counter, Bien-so casually walking around the other end.  Ukyo looked back and forth between them, pressing up against the rear counter.  Her hands groped behind her back, taking hold of a skillet resting inside the open shelf.
Bien-so clacked his nunchaku together as he closed the distance.    
     "Okay, Ukyo.  Come get you head bashed in like a good little bitch," he said.
     "Sure," replied Ukyo.  She cried out, slinging the skillet at him.  It connected edge first in his face, the cartilage of his nose breaking with a loud snap.  As Bien-so bellowed in pain, Ukyo moved charging Huuchu-so.  A sturdy body tackle toppled them to the far end of the counter, and a torrent of blows rained down on him.  Ukyo's angry yell filled the air as she began beating Huuchu-so into mush.  Suddenly, the sharp rap of Rei's staff hit her across the back and she cried out, rolling off to crawl frantically around the corner.  Rei bounded over the top, coming around in time to stop Ukyo from reaching the side door.
     She lunged dodging another strike, scurrying up underneath one of the dining room tables.  It rose up, catching Rei by surprise as Ukyo forced him back.  They crashed into the center of the room, then she shot to her feet.
     "Not so fast, Ukyo!" shouted Huuchu-so.  A series of well placed blows rapped across her head and she staggered, tumbling to the ground.  A kick to the ribs brought the wind from her body, Ukyo slamming up hard through another set of tables and chairs next to the wall.  Her ears rang, blood from a cut on her cheek trickling down the side of her face.
     Bien-so's cry made her look up to see the enraged twin bearing down on her.  Frantically, she looked around spying a half open container of hot mustard lying on the floor.  She grabbed it, flicking it's contents up into his face.
     "GGGYYYAAAAAHHHHH!" he cried, then Ukyo's knee cut off his voice, doubling over straight into a right hook.  Bien-so rocketed away, Ukyo turning to face the remaining two brothers.
     Spotting a pushbroom next to the utility cabinet, Ukyo dashed over.  She pulled the long wooden handle from the brush and began twirling it around her.
     "Okay.  I can see you guys need another ass-kicking, and I'm going to give it to you!" she growled.
     Rei kicked away the debris around him, lashing out at Ukyo.  The staff clacked loud against the broom handle, deflecting away from her body.  She swung, but he jumped back parrying her attack.  Together, they conducted their mad dance back and forth across the dining room.    
     Huuchu-so suddenly lashed out at Ukyo, breaking her concentration to parry the new threat.  A smack across the hand made him drop his weapon, a follow up blow to the side of the head propelling him away.  
    There was no time to finish Huuchu-so off; Rei charging back into the fight.  He made a thrust, but Ukyo planted the handle leaping into the air.  Her legs swept around kicking him in the face and he staggered back into the counter.
     On came Bien-so, finally managing partial relief from her previous attack.  His nunchaku struck like lightening, Ukyo crying out as her legs were cut from beneath her.  Another blow to the chest sent a loud crack through the air.  Pain shot through Ukyo, no doubt a rib breaking from that shot.  Gritting her teeth, she rolled bowling Bien-so over, quickly rising to her feet.  Huuchu-so interposed himself before her; Rei cutting off her path to the main entrance.  Slowly, Bien-so stood up, and together the three brothers began circling her.  A tense silence followed, Ukyo trying to ready herself for the upcoming attack.
     The bell over the front doors chimed, Akane Tendo walking cheerfully inside.  Her attention was on something inside the bag she carried, and it wasn't until she inadvertently bumped into Rei did she look up.  The combatants stopped to stare at her.
     Akane's eyes surveyed the scene, mouth slowly dropping open in shock.  "Oh, I see I'm interrupting something.  I'll just go and wait till you're done, Ukyo," she said backing away for the doors.
     "Akane, run!" shouted Ukyo.  "Get out of here and call the police!"
     "Akane," said Rei, his brows arched high.  "Akane Tendo?"
     Akane dropped the bag sprinting for the door.  Rei reached into his shirt, tossing a small bolo out after her.  It twined around her ankles, and Akane fell coming to a stop near the bottom of the stools along the counter.  She grabbed the base of one pulling herself up, then another bolo wrapped tightly around her neck and arm.    
    Desperately, Akane grabbed the base with her free arm to prevent the thin line from strangling her to death.
     "NO!" cried Ukyo.  She lunged hitting Rei in the stomach, and he yelled collapsing in a heap.
     Ukyo made for Akane, but the Zuchen twins were right on her.  The heavy ends of the nunchaku crashed down on her head sending Ukyo to the floor.  Together they pounced pummeling her with blows.  Rei joined in, and despite her resistance they finally knocked her out.
     The three brothers drew back resting on their knees, looking for any sign of movement from Ukyo's inert form.  Finally, Huuchu-so let out a breath.  "Man, what a tough bitch to take down," he said.
     "Yeds", answered Bien-so.  "Dud yud seed whatd shd did tood m'node,"
     "Yeah, and that mustard attack wasn't bad either," replied Huuchu-so.
     "Imn gunah extract greet peins frmd ds bichd!"
     Rei listened to his brothers for a moment.  Letting out a light grunt, he stood up.  "Bind her," he ordered his to brothers.
     Walking over to Akane, he glared down at the struggling woman.  Her grip on the base was starting to weaken, the line slowly tightening.  Akane cut her eyes up to Rei.
     Fearfully, she watched as Rei reached down towards her...

                               * * * * *

                                                                  20:00

     "Where are those two at?" grumbled Cologne under her breath as she bounded rapidly about the Nekohatten taking both her customers orders, and the orders pouring in over the phone.  "They should have been back by now," she continued bounding back into the kitchen.
     Fixing several meals, Cologne quickly served them up.  She made a quick stop over to the front entrance and peered outside.  Nothing.  Not a sign of either Shampoo or Mousse.
     She hoped back into the kitchen and began washing dishes.  "OH they better have a lot of good excuses for me.  It won't matter anyway.  I'll take them both out and work them to death.  Leave me alone on a busy day."
     Her eyes drifted, falling on the mysterious box sent by Ranma.
     "Of course," she said snapping her fingers.
     Pulling it out, Cologne hopped over to the phone on the wall.  She dialed up the Tendo number and waited as it rang.  A long wait followed, Cologne finally hanging up.
     "No answer?  That is strange.  There usually is somebody at that dojo."
     She hopped down to the floor, peering at the box in her hands.  Letting out a grunt, Cologne reached for the end again with the intent of opening it, when one of her customers looked in through the serving window.
     "Ma'am," he said.  "We need some napkins out here."
"Oh.  I'm sorry," she replied.
     The shelf beneath the counter where the refills usually were kept was empty.  Cologne let out a small huff of frustration.
     "I'll have some for you in a moment.  I have get some from the store room."
     With box in hand, she hopped to the back of the kitchen and opened the store room door.  "Now where did that child put those?" she muttered looking around the shelves.
     A large stack sat on the top, Cologne rolling her eyes.  "Figures," she said.
     Placing Shampoo's box in an open spot, Cologne leaped up grabbing an armful of napkins.  She started reaching for the box when the entrance bell chimed signaling more customers to be served.
     Letting out a curse in her native tongue, Cologne left it behind to take care of the business at hand...

                                * * * * *

     Akane tried to hold back her growing fear, enduring the rough handling she experienced not knowing where it was she and Ukyo were being taken.  A heavy burlap bag had been pulled down around her head; hands bound to her ankles, forcing the woman into a squirming ball.    
    Obviously Ukyo was not enjoying their situation either, cries of anger filling the air as she protested the cruel treatment they received.
     The tumbling stopped, Akane hearing a door open, then hands took hold lifting her up.  She was carried a short distance before being deposited on her side onto a cold hard surface.  The sound of Ukyo's heavy grunts followed, then the bag was pulled from her head.
     The two women were lying side by side at the center of a dark garage, thin beams of light shining through the cracks of several boarded up windows.  Straining lightly against the restraints, Akane let out a sigh looking over at Ukyo.
     "Wonderful friends you have here," she said sarcastically.
     Ukyo squirmed, jerking with no success against the ropes.  "They're not my friends, Akane!" she growled back.
     Straining hard, Ukyo painfully fought to right herself rolling over until she knelt on her knees.  Several laughs sounded and she looked around at the darkness.
     "REI!" she cried.  "Okay, you've got me, but Akane here has nothing to do with our quarrel.  Please, let her go!"
     Another laugh sounded, a laugh that carried a menacing tone with it.
     "Oh no, Ukyo Kuonji," replied a voice from the shadows.  "You are very wrong about that.  Akane Tendo has a lot to do with this I assure you."
     Cold fear passed through the two women, fear that increased as out of the shadows walked Renon Marcus.  He stood casually nibbling on a slim green root watching them for a moment, allowing the terror in their eyes to build.
     "Oh no," gasped Akane.
     "Oh yes, Akane.  And so ladies... we meet again."
     "Renon Marcus, you bastard!" Ukyo shouted.
     He smiled.  "Ukyo, such a bad attitude.  Not very healthy I must say."
     "You drugged them, didn't you?"
     Rei stepped out into the light next to him.  "No he did not, Ukyo," he said.  "There was no need for the good Doctor to drug anyone."
     "Rei, you and your brothers do not know what trouble you're getting yourselves into.  Marcus is a mercenary.  He tried to kill the Emperor and Prime Minister!"
     A long pause followed, then Rei arched a brow.  "Your point is?" he said.
     That meant trouble in itself, and Ukyo sensed more pain would be coming her way soon.  "I cannot believe you guys would stoop so low just to gain revenge on me."
     Huuchu-so walked out into view holding a large roll of silver duct tape in his hands.  "Ukyo, we'd walk to the moon if the opportunity to pound you was there," he said.
     Bien-so stepped up beside him.  "Anth afther wath youd did to myd noths,  I'mth going tood make yout payfth forfth thatfth."
     Renon chuckled, enjoying the scene.  "It seems you have angered them quite a bit, Ukyo," he said.
     Suddenly, Marcus's cell phone rang.  He answered it walking off to one side.  "Yes... ahuh, okay that's good.  Hmm, not dead yet, eh?  We'll get him later.  Link up with Itchioni and keep the time table running. Gaps we can cover after today's primary activities are complete.  I'll see you back at the estate, oh and tell Sapparo don't worry about Akane Tendo.  I've already acquired her."
     He hung up and returned to his captives.
     "Seems like everything is going as planned," he said.
     "Tsubasa Kurenai was not at Kuonji's restaurant," reported Rei.
     Marcus smirked lightly.  "Almost."
     "Do you want us to go back and kill him?"
     "No, my men will find him.  It's just a matter of time."
     Ukyo let out a yell struggling to get free.  "No, Rei you can't be doing this" she shouted.  "Tsubasa's done nothing to you.  Marcus is the one you should be killing now, not any of us!"
     Renon frowned.  With a light gesture of his head, Rei signaled his brothers to silence her.  Bien-so straddled Ukyo taking a hand full of her hair and jerked back.
     "Timned ford youd tood shuth up, Kuothnji!" he said stuffing a thick cloth into her mouth.  Huuchu-so pulled a long strip of tape from the roll and wrapped it tightly around her mouth.  The bag was pulled back down over Ukyo's head, and together they carried the struggling woman away.
     Marcus gazed down at Akane, a devious grin coming to his face.  She shuddered, swallowing the lump that had formed in her throat.
     "For a moment, Akane, I thought my surprise would be spoiled by our surroundings," he said.
     Akane frowned.  She looked around, then suddenly realized where they were at.  It was Renon's old hideout, the warehouse he used to make Ginsukou sap and formulate his plans.
     "You'll never get me to take any of that stuff, Marcus," she said.
     "What, Ginsukou?  No, no, no, Akane.  I have something better planned for you... and Ranma once I have him."  
     Picking up the roll of tape from the floor, Renon pulled Akane upright.  He held her chin in his hand, reflecting on her face for a moment.
     "Yes, you will be such a prize."  He snickered, pulling off a long strip, gagging her.
     Waving over two of his men standing hidden in the darkness behind her, Renon told them to take her away.  They pulled the bag over her head and carried Akane off.
     "Rei," said Marcus, thinking a moment.  "There is a slight change of plans.  I want you to take Suin-Tan's place hunting down Hibiki.  It seems my darling Kasumi was not at her home after all.  Itchioni will have his hands full searching for her and Ono Tofu."
     "What about Ranma Saotome?" asked Rei.
Renon smiled.  "Don't worry about Ranma. I shall personally collect him."
     Rei nodded.  He held up a small paper bag.  Renon peered curiously inside, laughing as he caught sight of what it contained.
     "Why thank you, Rei.  I might be able to use these," he said taking the bag from him.
     "I figure you might need some additional form of 'proof' incase Saotome resist."
     "For his sake, and his dear lady, he better not," replied Renon.

                               * * * * *

     Ranma was exhausted.  Chasing this stranger all across the tops of Nerima was wearing him out, and there appeared to be no end in sight.  The worst thing happening to him now was the fact that he lost sight of him.  It was as if he'd disappeared into thin air, Ranma standing in the middle of a wide open rooftop scratching his head in wonder.
     "Damn," he muttered angrily, looking around.  "Akane is going to kick my ass when she finds out I lost her uniform to some pervert."
     A whistle sounded from behind, Ranma tuning quickly around.  Akane's uniform hit him square in the face and he let out a yell in surprise.  Jerking it away, the laugh from the stranger standing at far edge only angered him more.
     "You bastard!  Now I'm going to pound you straight into the ground!"
     "And waste all of that energy for nothing?" replied the stranger.  "Hmm, I would think you would be more interested in checking up on your family,... and Akane."
     "Huh?" said Ranma.  "Who are you, damn it!  How do you know about my family, and what's happened to Akane?"
     "Find out for yourself, or do you still want to tangle with me?"
     Ranma started taking steps towards him then stopped.
     "I did not think so.  You're not as stupid as some are led to believe."  He turned, pausing to take a last glance back over his shoulder.  "I will see you again, Ranma Saotome."
     He leaped out of sight leaving Ranma in a stunned silence.    
     Slowly, Ranma looked down at the uniform in his hand.
"No," he gasped running off in the direction of the Dojo...

                                * * * * *

     Itchioni Yamaguchi stood staring up at the water fountain in Nerima's central park, captured by it's beautiful cascade of water sprouts sparkling beneath the suns fading lights.  He smiled, reminiscing on times past when things were not so complicated in his life.  That drew a slight chuckle from him.  An impossibility, he thought turning away.  Next to him one of Renon's men waited, listening in on a cellular phone to a report from the multitude of teams scouring the area for Kasumi Tendo.
    "Anything?" he asked.
    "No sir."
    "Keep looking.  Miss Tendo must be located soon."
    His man nodded, listening intently to another report that came in.  With a low sigh, Itchioni turned staring around at the people walking through the park.  Up one of the far paths he spotted Suin-Tan walking towards him.  The man held a bright smile on his face.
    "And you seem to be upbeat, my friend," he said when Suin-Tan reached him.
     "Yes.  This day has seen my longing desire fulfilled, soon all my wishes shall become true."
     "I take it you succeeded in acquiring your Miss Shampoo?"
     "She is on the way back to the estate."
     "And of Mousse and this Cologne?"
     Suin-Tan's eyes narrowed.  "Mousse I will kill personally, as for Cologne... heh, heh, heh, heh, just keep your ears open."
     Itchioni let his curiosity pass, returning his attention to their present task.  "Kasumi Tendo has yet to be located.  I do not wish Doctor Marcus to be upset with us for not bringing her back."
     "She will turn up," replied Suin-Tan.  "By the way, Itchi.  What has this Tendo woman done to warrant such attention from the good doctor?"
     Itchioni laughed, rubbing his chin trying to give the big man a decant reply.  "I guess you can compare it to your situation, Suin," he finally said.
     Suin-Tan smiled, then the man monitoring the cellphone suddenly called to them.
     "Kasumi Tendo has been located, sir!" he said excitedly.
     "Where?"
     "About five blocks from here."  A pause, excitement covering his face.  "Ono Tofu is also with her."
     "Well how convenient," said Suin-Tan.
     Itchioni stood silently for a moment.  There seemed to be a somber look in his eyes, noticed Suin-Tan, a glimmer that quickly flashed away.  Itchioni nodded his head.  "Have the men move in.  Capture Miss Tendo and,... you know what to do about Tofu."
     As the orders were passed, Itchioni turned his gaze back up at the fountain again.
     "Is there something wrong, Itchi?" asked Suin-Tan.
     "Hmm?  No, no, no, I was just thinking," he replied.  His eyes remained locked on the sparkles of water, then cut over to Suin-Tan.     
      "Come, let us go take care of this business."

                                * * * * *

Outside the Nerima 6 Movieplex;

     Kasumi Tendo hugged Ono Tofu's arm tenderly as the couple walked out of the movie theater.  So far it had been a perfect day for her.  No Ranma/Akane bickerings, nothing to distract them as they spent their long overdue day together on whatever caught their fancy.  Okay, a small lie to her father, but she knew he would not mind her taking the day off.
     Beside her, Ono Tofu walked in mild surprise, still unable to comprehend how he was controlling himself around Kasumi.  The normal reaction would be a violently nervous twitter in his hands, babbles and stammers the only thing he could manage to say.  After Kasumi settled him down in his office, she shocked him with a firm kiss that blanked everything away.  Ono still felt the tingles running up and down his limbs, but so far most of the afternoon had gone very well.
     "So, so where to now, K-Kasumi?" he asked.
     Resting her head on his shoulder, Kasumi looked up at him.  "I don't know.  Why don't we just take a nice long walk around and see what turns up," she replied.
     Ono could only nod, amazed at her answer.  Casually, they walked on along the street turning out into the food arcade.  The voices of the people around them cast a mild din in the air; lines of patrons waiting to be served snaking out from the various shops around them.  Kasumi found this exciting, squeezing Ono's hand as they moved on.
     "Are you hungry?" he asked her.
     "Kind of," she answered him.  "Let's wait a little longer for the crowds to thin out."
     Gazing around Ono searched for a way out of the court.  As he looked around, two men watched them, working their way closer to the couple trying to stay as inconspicuous as possible.  Just as one was about to get within arms length of Kasumi, Tofu suddenly led her off down an open path.  The man grit his teeth, jerking his head in their direction to signal the rest of his companions to close in.
     Ono guided Kasumi along, trading quick smiles with the woman of his dreams as they pressed on.  Another short glance around, then his eyes landed on a large fellow moving towards them ahead.  He made a slight step to get out of the way, but the brute shifted right along with them.
     Tensions started to build in Ono's mind, a warning sign that told him this was not just a mistake.  He did not want to scare Kasumi, detouring towards the nearest restaurant.
     "Honey, I've changed my mind.  I'd like to eat now," he said brightly.
     "Ono Tofu, after all of the popcorn and sesame sticks we've had, you're still hungry.  Are you taking lessons from Ranma?"
     Tofu could not help but laugh.  "Ah, no.  I've just picked up a strong appetite," he replied trying to keep the worry from his face.
     Another pair of men appeared with the apparent intent of cutting them off.  What's going on here? wondered Ono.  The number of people moving on them was increasing fast.  Finally he stopped.
     "What's wrong?" asked Kasumi, looking up at him.
     "Kasumi, don't be alarmed, but I think we have attracted some company," explained Tofu.
     Kasumi looked around, noting the sinister faces steadily approaching.  "Oh my," she said with a gasp.
     A delicate hum caught the trained ears of Tofu from behind.  Instinctively he knelt pulling Kasumi down with him.  The shadowy streak of a straight blade shuriken zipped over their heads, imbedding itself into the neck of an innocent bystander.  He cried out, clutching the deadly weapon as he crumpled to the ground.  Screams and cries cut the air; Ono and Kasumi staring in horror at the fallen body next to them.  They stood up, and out of the surrounding crowd charged Marcus's people.
     Fist shot out ready to pummel the Doctor, but he was a sudden blur.  The stinging blows that followed sent several of the assailants screaming in pain to the ground, Tofu methodically planting taps and punches to various sensitive points immobilizing them.  Kasumi screamed backing away from the fight, then two thick arms snatched her up into the air.
     "ONO!" she cried, struggling in the grip of the brutes overpowering grasp.
     Tofu took a brief glance over, then ducked levering one of his attackers over his back.  The brute kidnapping Kasumi was forcing his way through the surrounding crowd and he knew he had to act swiftly.    
    Pulling a coin from his pocket, Tofu snapped it at the back of the brute's head.  He was right on the mark hitting him just behind the right ear, upsetting his balance.  The brute crumpled to the ground; Kasumi spilling out of his grasp.
     Kasumi placed a hand to her face trying to regain her senses.  Ono, she muttered then another pair of hands reached down to grab her.   
     "ONO!" she cried again.  Tofu was suddenly behind the two men.  Sharp chops to the neck sent them accompanying their fallen member on the floor.
     "Kasumi, are you alright?" Ono frantically asked.  She nodded her head, and a sigh of relief flowed from Tofu.  A cry sounded, Marcus's team surging towards the couple.  Kicking a table out to slow their approach, Tofu took Kasumi by a hand and they ran for their lives.
     "What could they want from us, Ono?" said Kasumi as Ono led her down another street.
     "I suspect it's you.  What for I'm not sure, but we'll ponder that after we find a policeman!" he replied.
    Coming out at the corner, Tofu stopped to regain his bearings.  They both looked up and down the street, but there was nary a sign of the police around.  Even the corner station looked abandoned, not normal in Ono's mind.  Kasumi's frantic tugs brought him around.  Marcus's henchmen were in hot pursuit, spurring the beleaguered couple on.
     They fled up the street staying a few blocks ahead of the crowd behind them.  At the next corner ahead a van screeched to an abrupt halt blocking their path.  Out piled five more of Marcus's thugs brandishing an assortment of weapons in their hands.  This was starting to get more and more dangerous Ono mused as they stood watching them.
     "This way," he said to Kasumi, darting out across the street towards a side alley.
     Running in, they came to an abrupt stop surprised by what they found.  A tall wire mesh gate sectioned off the alley, a lot full of cars beyond.  Three sets of heavy chain held the gate closed, thick padlocks locking them fast.  Ono could hear the running footsteps from outside, quickly coming to a decision.
     "Kasumi, dear.  We have to climb," he said.
     Kasumi's jaw sagged open.  She gave herself a brief look over then shook her head.  "Ono, I'm wearing a dress and heels.  I can't climb that!"
     "Sorry Kasumi, but we must," he replied.
     The appearance of the thugs at the end ended any further discussion.  Kicking off her shoes, Kasumi handed them to Ono.  He knelt, acting as a ladder as she jumped up scaling the fence in matter of seconds.  A knife swished past Tofu's head, and he leaped up pulling himself over the top with graceful ease.
     "Oh, Ono.  I did not know you were so skilled," said Kasumi.
     He paused, deciding not to reply concentrating on their current situation.  Taking her hand again they ran for the opposite end of the lot, the cries and threats of anger echoing off the surrounding walls.  Tofu came to a brief stop on the street to allow Kasumi time to put on her shoes and figure out their next plan of action.
     "Where are the police?" said Ono desperately looking around.
     "Ono," Kasumi called to him.  She pointed up the street.  Two police officers on patrol stood at the far corner, a welcome sight to the couple.  They darted across the street calling out to them for help.  The response they received though was not what they were expecting.
     Guns flashed from their holsters.  "Freeze!" shouted one of the officers, pointing his weapon at them.  Kasumi and Ono froze in place, gapping at the police in wonder.  Slowly, Kasumi moved up close to Ono's ear.
     "Malpractice?" she asked him.
     "No, I think we can rule that out, Kasumi dear," he replied.
     "Doctor Ono Tofu, you are under arrest.  Step away from the beautiful lady, place your hands on the back of your head and kneel. NOW!"
     Kasumi blushed.  "Really, our police force is so flattering," she said.
     "This is not the time for that, Kasumi."
     Apparently Kasumi was not part of this arrest, and leaving her alone now would be placing her at the mercy of the thugs pursuing them.  Tofu's eye cut over to the large restaurant on their right.  Kasumi noticed, feeling him shift balance, and squeezed his hand to signal she understood what he was about to do.
     "Tofu!  You cannot escape!" continued the policeman.  "Place your hands behind your head and--, STOP TOFU!"
     Ono and Kasumi dived, leaping through the open doorway.  Before the policemen could go after them, Renon's people arrived on the scene.  Another car pulled up, Itchioni and Suin-Tan getting out of the back.  One of the policemen started to radio for backup, but Suin-Tan grabbed his hand preventing him from making the call.
     "What are you--, who are you?" shouted the officer.
     Suin-Tan sneered.  He made a cutting gesture across his throat, and before the two policemen could react they were silently cut down.
     Yamaguchi stood aghast.  "Suin-Tan!" he shouted.  "We're not supposed to be killing police.  What are you thinking about?"
     "They were potential hindrances, Itchioni," answered Suin-Tan.
     "Hindrances!"  Yamaguchi held back his sharp words.  Instructing his force to dispose of the bodies, he directed several of them to cover the back.
     "In broad daylight, Suin-Tan?" questioned Yamaguchi, staring up at the man again.
     "We still have to go inside, Itchi.  I'm quite sure there will be more 'silencing' to be done."
     Yamaguchi waved an angry finger beneath his nose.  "No more needless killings, understand?  No more!"
     Suin-Tan arched a brow.  "As you wish, Itchi," he calmly replied.  He nodded towards the restaurant.  "Shall we?"
     Yamaguchi let out a frustrated sigh.  Waving a hand towards the doors, his force entered the building...

                                 Chapter Five

     As fast as he could Ranma ran through the streets of Nerima, trying to reach home secretly praying that he was not to late.  His frantic calls parted the people along the sidewalks allowing him to pass without much deviation.  He was getting closer that much was sure.    
     Rounding a corner,  Ranma was so preoccupied by the thoughts in his head that he did not see the running figures converging to either side of him.  They all collided in cries of pain, crumpling to the sidewalk.
     Ranma sat up holding his head.  He looked over to his left spotting Mousse lying face down slowly recovering; Gosunkugi on his back to his right.
     "Hi, guys," he said.
     Mousse looked up then pounced on him.  "RANMA, RANMA, You've got to help me, you've got to help me!" he rambled at him.  Gosunkugi suddenly was up in his face, scaring him.
     "Ranma, You've got to come quick, Nabiki, Nabiki's in some trouble!"
     The two men continued raving at him.  Ranma tried to take in all that they were saying, finally clasping his hands over their mouths.  He looked back and forth between them, then frowned.
     "Gee, what happened to you, Mousse?" he said noticing his battered appearance.
     "WFFOFFFUFF MMAMPOO BMM MMMYYFF MMMRRRRRFFUSSS!"
     "Huh?"
     Mousse pulled Ranma's hand from his mouth.  "Shampoo's been kidnapped by Suin-Tan and Doctor Marcus!" he said.
     "Ah huh," replied Ranma.  He looked at Gosunkugi, moving his hand.
     "Nabiki, Nabiki's been arrested.  They came and snatched her right out of the mall!"
     "Ah huh," said Ranma again.
     Realization finally hit Ranma.  He shot to his feet pulling Mousse and Hikaru with him.
     "Mousse, did you say Marcus?"
     "Yeah, yeah, Suin-Tan is working for him.  We had a fight, I tried to stop him but he got away with Shampoo.  Ranma you've got to help me get her back!"
     "Yeah, we will, we will!" replied Ranma.  Dark thoughts filled Ranma's mind.  He did not know who this Suin-Tan was, but the mention of Renon Marcus meant he had to hurry home with that much more urgency.    
     "Why was Nabiki arrested, Hikaru?"
     "I heard something about 'Terrorist'.  They were accusing her of being an assassin and trying to kill the Emperor!"
     Shock passed through Ranma, memories from their encounter on the grounds of the Imperial Park returning.  This had to be related, the stench of Marcus's handiwork strong.
     "Hey Ranma, you think the police found out about Nabiki's tap into the Nikkei stock ticker?" asked Mousse.
     Ranma smirked, slapping him upside the head.  "No, you idiot.  It's Marcus!" he shouted.  "Marcus is back, and it looks like he's out to get us."
     "If we had only taken care of him when we had the chance," moaned Gosunkugi.
     "To late to cry about it now," he replied.
     "So what do we do, Ranma?" asked Mousse.
     Ranma paused.  "Mousse, get down to the Nekohatten.  Get Cologne, tell her what's happened and both of you meet us at Ucchans."
     "Right!" said Mousse.
     He bolted off up the street.  Ranma turned to Gosunkugi.  "Hikaru get over to Ucchans.  If Ukyo and Akane are there, tell'em to kick everybody out, then lock the doors.  Don't let anybody in arrive.  Understood?  Nobody!"
     Hikaru nodded.  "Where are you going?" he asked.
     "Back to the dojo," answered Ranma.  "I'm going to get the others if it's not to late.  Come on we've haven't got time to be playing around!"
     Gosunkugi ran off leaving Ranma alone.
     "Yeah, if I'm not to late," he muttered again continuing on to the dojo...
                                                                  15:00

                                * * * * *

Northern Nerima Suburbs;

      Ryoga Hibiki sat gazing up at Mt. Fuji's commanding expanse, enjoying what remained of this amazing afternoon.  He lay on a spread blanket beneath the protective covering of a large shade tree, relaxing as Akari Unryuu gently stroked his hair.  Her sweet, innocent features brought a smile to his lips and he sighed lightly shifting his head where it lay in her lap.
     "Gee, Akari.  This was such a great idea coming out here for a picnic," he said.
     Akari giggled, leaning down to peck him lightly on the nose.  Her brown hair tickled him and he sneezed, drawing a laugh from her.    
     "Don't tell me you've become allergic to me now, Ryoga," she teased, twirling a strand of her pink locks playfully around a finger.
     "Never," answered Ryoga.  He sat up and faced her.
     "What?" asked Akari after a long moment.
     "Oh, nothing.  I just wanted to look at you.  Your dress is nice, I find it quite attractive."
     "You do!" said Akari excitedly.  She glanced over the yellow summer dress she wore, smoothing the folds along the hem.  "I did not think you would notice."
     He took her hands in his.  "Of course I noticed.  I notice everything you do."
     Akari felt a thrill flow through her body.  She blushed, turning her head down in embarrassment.  Ryoga gently placed a hand beneath her chin, guiding her head back up.  They were immobile for a moment, then slowly the lover's began to draw close.  They closed their eyes, lips about to touch when Ryoga felt a warm breath beating down on the back of his neck.  Turning around, he found himself staring eye to eye with Katsunishiki; Akari's Sumo Pig, Protector, and unfortunately for Ryoga, chaperone for this excursion.
     "Aw, why don't you go play somewhere!" he shouted rounding on the pig.
     Katsunishiki let out a grunt.  He thumped Ryoga in the chest sending him sprawling across the blanket.  Akari's giggles stopped him from pouncing at the pig.
     "OH I see.  Have a little fun with Ryoga, I get it now!" he said.
     "Nothing of the sort," replied Akari.  "Katsuni, behave will you?"
Katsunishiki moved up eye to eye again with Ryoga.  He let out a few grunts then trundled off.
     "I swear that pig thinks I'm going to do something," said Ryoga, sitting up.
     "Ah huh," replied Akari in an accusing tone.
     "Hey, I wasn't trying anything here!"
     "Ah Huh," she said again.
     Ryoga let out a huff enduring Akari's playful teasing in silence.    
     She enjoyed his frustration, know that someday all the barriers will be down and that they could share their love freely.  For now things would have to wait.
     But there was always room for play.
     "Rrryyyoooga," she called.
     "What?" snapped Ryoga after a short moment.
     Akari crawled over to him and began rubbing his shoulders.  "I got a surprise for you," she said.
     Ryoga's interest was immediately aroused.  "A surprise?" he said arching a brow.
     "Yyyeeeesss."
     He looked slightly back over his shoulder.  "What is it?"
     "Not yet," she replied.
     Taking him by the hand, Akari led her forlorned boyfriend back over to the tree.  "Now you sit here and cover your eyes."
     "Why?"
     Because I said so!" she snapped.  Ryoga's hands came up covering his eyes.
     "That's better."  Akari picked up the picnic basket, hanging it from her arm.  "Now you sit and wait for me to return, okay?"
     "Where are you going?"
     "I'll be back.  Patience, man!"  She called Katsunishiki over.
     "No peeking, Ryoga.  You hear me?" she said climbing up onto the Sumo pig's back.
     "Yes, dear," replied Ryoga.
     He could hear them leaving and decided to part a finger.
     "I said no peeking, Ryoga Hibiki!" Akari called over her shoulder.  The fingers came back together.
    As Akari and Katsunishiki rode off, seated on a hill overlooking the grassy valley sat Rei watching Ryoga through a pair of binoculars.  The ten ninja's that made up his team crouched behind him waiting for the word to attack.  Rei was not in a hurry.  In fact he thought for a moment there they were about to get a show.  Disappointment soon turned into satisfaction when Hibiki's woman and that overly large pig rode away out of sight.
     "This is excellent," he said to his team.  "Hibiki is just sitting there like a feted calf awaiting slaughter.  This cannot be more perfect."
     One of the ninja's produced a bow and arrow, setting the draw string.  She notched an arrow, but Rei held up a hand stopping her.
     "We can kill him now and save us any trouble," she said.
     Rei's staff smacked her hands shattering the bow.  "I make the decisions here."  He sighed.  "Give this Hibiki the decency to fight and die like a warrior should."
     The ninja bowed.  "Forgive me, sir," she apologized.
     Rei said nothing, rubbing his chin with a devious thought in mind.  The soreness from Kuonji's blows still throbbed through his body, dimmed with a few medicinal herbs.  He gestured to the team, directing them to flank out and surround the unsuspecting Ryoga.  Chuckling lightly, Rei stood and started down the hill.
     Obediantly, Ryoga kept his eyes covered awaiting Akari's return.  In his minds eye he could only imagine what she was about to do.  Images of her clad in flighty clothing brought a mischievous grin to his face.  There was no telling what could pop up in Akari's head.  She was so spontaneous, maybe that was why he found himself loving her so much.  Even Akane paled beneath her light, a statement not long ago he could not make without difficulty.
     Shuffling sounded from beside him, Ryoga tipping an ear towards the noise.  "Akari?" he said then another light shuffle came from the right.  It had to be Katsunishiki.
     "Okay, you two.  Playtime is over, I know you're here."
     He thought he heard a laugh, then a strange sound from in front.  It sounded like... stretching cord?
     Parting his hands, Ryoga gasp staring at a dark clad ninja with a bow pointed towards him a few yards away.  Reflexes took over, years of training moving him from his spot.  He tumbled, sprawling out on his stomach as the arrow imbedded itself deep into the trunk of the tree.
    "Hey, what's the big idea--, YEOW!"
    Ryoga rolled barely avoiding the stream of shurikens that stitched a path close behind him.  Leaping through the air, Ryoga snatched up the folded umbrella lying at the corner of the blanket, coming down on his feet ready to face the strangers around him.
    Much to his surprise, the ninja's applauded his move.  Ryoga stood staring around totally confused.  "Amazing," came a voice from the limbs of the tree.  He looked up spotting a tall man squatting nimbly on a thick branch, a metal fighting staff across his lap.
    "Who the hell are you guys!" shouted Ryoga.
    Rei leaped down to the ground.  "Simply amazing, Mister Hibiki," he said.
    "And do I know you?"
    Rei laughed.  "No, but you will soon."
    Ryoga's eyes cut around the circle of ninja's.  He noted the variety of weapons, marking those he sensed the more capable, searching all the while for a way to escape.
    "You have been well trained, Ryoga," continued Rei, catching his actions.  "This appears to be a very interesting fight."
    "What do you want from me?  I don't even know who you are.  Who are these goons trying to kill me!"
    "Not nice, Hibiki," replied Rei.  "We want nothing from you, other than your death."
    Ryoga thought he heard this arrogant man wrong.  Shaking his head, he rubbed the bridge of his nose, chuckling slightly at the ground for a second.
    "Uh, death?" he said looking up again.  "M-my death?"
    "Yes," answered Rei.
    Another glance around, Ryoga counting his opponents one more time.    
    "Well, whoever you are you needed to bring more people.  A lot more people than this sorry pack of thugs."
    Weapons flashed, the ninja's ready to tear into Ryoga.  They eagerly awaited Rei's signal to attack. 
    "I would mind what you are saying, Hibiki.  Otherwise, killing you might become a long and drawn out affair," Rei warned him.
    Ryoga smirked.  He suddenly looked up, tipping an ear towards the sky in mock surprise.  "Say, do you hear that?" he asked cupping a hand to the side of his head.
    Rei listened, but heard nothing.  "You've gone daft, Hibiki."
    "No.  It sounds like, a school bell."  Ryoga brought his hand down, a dark glower of anger in his eyes, brows furrowed close together.    
    "Looks like class is in session."
    That was enough to insult even Rei.  He gripped his staff, bringing it up.  "Kill him!" he cried and the ninjas attacked... 

                                * * * * *

     Quickly Itchioni's ninja teams rounded up what few customers were in the dining rooms of the Chinese restaurant, herding them into a closed back storeroom locking them inside.  Suin-Tan and Itchioni stood looking around the large foyer trying to figure out where their quarry could have gone so fast in such a short time.
     "Spread out," ordered Itchioni.  "Some of you check the upper floors, the rest go through the lower levels and kitchen.  Gather up whoever is left, but don't let Tofu or Tendo escape!"
     Eagerly, his people complied, dashing off.  Suin-Tan pulled up a chair from a near-by table and sat down.
     "Resting?" asked Itchioni.
     "Hmm?  Oh no.  I'm sure the good Doctor Tofu and Miss Tendo will be along," answered Suin-Tan.  "They'll have to get through us to get out, and I don't think that will be likely."
     "Don't get too cock sure of yourself, Suin."  Yamaguchi gave him a slight smirk before walking away to assist in the search.
     In the kitchen, a small team of Itchioni's ninjas found what remained of the staff huddling fearfully inside one of the storerooms.  Locking them in, they continued their sweep checking high and low around the cupboards and tables.  Near the center cutting table, one of the ninjas knelt down opening up a lower storage bin.  In a flash, a hand shot out grabbing him near the base of the throat.  A short, firm squeeze and he slumped over.  Ono Tofu rolled out of his now exposed hiding spot and stood up.
     A yell went out, the rest of the team rushing towards him.  Tofu stepped back dodging one attacker lunging over the top of the table.  Effortlessly, Ono planted a finger to the side of his ribs and the ninja cried out.  He landed with a loud crash among a pile of pans; the entire right side of his body immobilized.  Tofu leaped, catching hold of a pipe above.  Two more ninja's collided beneath him, a swift kick knocking them heads first into the wall.  As they sank to the floor,   
Ono jumped down to face the last of his opponents.
     The three ninja's remaining were not about to make the same mistakes their companions did, respecting the doctors skills.  Weapons flashed from their clothes; one brandishing a katana, the remaining two a pair of Sai.  Tofu frowned.  People were one thing, edged weapons another.  He started inching back away from the table to get some fighting room, but the ninjas spread out cutting him off.  The tension built, Ono's eyes shifting between each of them, then they attacked.
     Grabbing a large pot lid from the table top, the ring of metal and steel sounded as Tofu blocked a blow from the katana.  The ninja turned with a sweep, but his target ducked rolling across the floor.  Tofu sprang up, launching the top at one of the ninjas while striking swiftly at the other with a fist to the arm.  Their cries filled the air; Ono planting several more body blows disabling the katana wielding ninja.  
     The hiss of a blade caught his ears and he went prone as a Sai imbedded itself into the wall where his head would have been.  The last ninja charged with weapon upraised ready to do him harm.  There was no time for Ono to prepare a blow so he shot to his feet tackling him around the waist.  Together they pitched back in a violent struggle on the floor.  Tofu was clearly at a disadvantage not used to close combat.  A sturdy blow to the chin dazed him, another punch to the stomach knocking the wind from his lungs.  Ono could only stare up at the ninja perched on his chest.  He laughed ready to plunge the Sai in his hand into Tofu's chest.
     THWANK!
     A cast iron skillet smacked the ninja across the back of the head.  His eyes crossed and he let out a groan falling off to one side.
Kasumi stood over him with a look of surprise on her face.
     "Ono, Ono I got one!" she said excitedly.
     A blur shot through the air, hitting Kasumi square in the chin.
     She fell, and Tofu quickly sat up.
     "Kasumi!" he cried.
     "Miss Tendo!" shouted the ninja standing across from him.  Much to Tofu's surprise he rushed over patting her hand frantically.
     "Miss Tendo, Miss Tendo!" he stammered desperately at the unconscious woman.  "What have I done.  Miss Tendo are you injured, are you--, GYAAAA!"
     Ono Tofu held the ninja in a tight grip at the center of his back.    
     "Get your hands off her," he snarled guiding him away.  A quick twist had the ninja quivering helpless on the floor.
     "Kasumi, Kasumi, speak to me," Tofu said as he patted Kasumi gently on the cheek.  She let out a murmur, then slowly opened her eyes.
     "Ono... oooo," said Kasumi, pressing a hand to her bruised chin.
     Tofu looked her wound over.  Nothing appeared broken, he told her to rest a moment.  Taking a large stirring paddle from one of the soup kettles, Tofu rushed over to the far double doors and slid it through the handles barring them closed  Satisfied that would buy them some time, he helped Kasumi up.
     "What do we do now?" asked Kasumi. 
     "We can try and fight our way out the back," replied Ono.    
     Suddenly, he paused, frowning down at the ninja quivering on the floor.  Kasumi asked him what was wrong, but Tofu did not reply.  He knelt down next to him.
     "You knew Kasumi's name.  How?" asked Tofu.
     The ninja let out a snarl, but refused to answer.
     Tofu placed his fingers along the ninja's spine again.  He pressed gently along sensitive pressure points, drawing a long gasp from the ninja.
     "I don't want to hurt you, my friend, but I will if I have too.  Now tell me why Kasumi is so important to you and your companions?"
     "g-g-g-go t-t-to... go to--, hell, Tofu!" snapped the ninja.
     Ono pressed harder.  "There are three hundred levels of pain I can inflict upon you in this hold alone.  Each one much more disabilitating as I progress.  Now I ask again, why is Kasumi so important to you?"
     The ninja's gurgles increased as Tofu applied more pressure.  Kasumi bit her bottom lip, fighting back the compassion to tell Ono to stop.  Finally the ninja gave in.
     "she, she... she is not to, to be hhharmmed!"
     "Why?  Who is after her?"
     "... D-D-Doctor M-M-Marcus!"
     Kasumi's cry brought Ono quickly around.  She stood pressed up against the far wall terror in her eyes, hands pressed tight to her lips.  Ono rushed over, pulling Kasumi into his arms before she lost control of herself.
     "Marcus," he muttered low.
     "No, no, no!" Kasumi said, shaking as the memories of her ordeal under Marcus's deviant control surfaced again to haunt her.  She could still feel his hand groping around her body, the vicious acts he performed on her drawing a long moan from Kasumi.
     "Ono... Ono, he's come to get me!" she said, sobbing into his chest.
     Ono held her tight.  "Calm down, Kasumi," he said, rocking her gently back and forth.
     "He's coming to get me.  Ono, he's come back to get me!"
     "He will not touch you," said Tofu.  Drawing back, Ono tipped her head up to him.  "I will not let him get his hands on you.  I swear."
Kasumi could see the determination in his eyes, comforting her.
     "Trust me?" he asked, and she nodded.
     A blow to the double doors behind startled the couple.  It looked like the rest of the ninjas were on to them, desperately trying to force entry.
     "We're still trapped, Ono," said Kasumi.
     Tofu was already ahead of her.  He led Kasumi over to the dumbwaiter and opened the door.  It would be tight, but large enough to fit both of them.  "Inside, dear," he said.
     Kasumi climbed in; Tofu right behind her.  Before he pulled the door down, Tofu hit the up button on the wall with the end of a spoon.  It started to rise and not a moment too soon as the double doors burst open...

                               * * * * *

     Suin-Tan watched humorously as Yamaguchi and his ninja's battered in the doors leading into the kitchen.  He laughed as they rushed in, reminded of a comedy scene from a movie he'd seen before.  Listening to them scurrying about the kitchen made his chuckles grow louder.     Finally, Itchioni burst out.
     "They're gone!" he shouted.
     Suin-Tan doubled over, falling from his chair.
     "What the hell are you laughing at!" raged Itchi.
     "F-Forgive me," answered Suin-Tan as he wiped the tears from his eyes.  "You really did not expect Tofu and his lady to be in there, did you?"
     Yamaguchi did a double-take.  "What... Suin-Tan, damn you!  I can use your help, not your criticism!" 
     "I'm not criticizing you, Itchi, and I am helping you."
     Sitting back in his chair, Suin-Tan looked up at the second floor of the restaurant casually gazing along it's length.  He heard a faint hum come from one of the serving areas, then a door opening up.  From around the corner Ono and Kasumi stepped out looking around for any of the ninjas pursuing them.
     "Nice to see you, Doctor Tofu," Suin-Tan called up to them.
     Ono looked down and the two men stared at each other for a moment.     
     Suin-Tan gave him a slight nod, then pointed up in his direction.
"Found them," he said.
     Yamaguchi's expression was one of surprise and disbelief.  He yelled out a cry of alarm, alerting his teams.  Ono and Kasumi did not wait around, dashing across the dining room for the back offices.
     Standing up, Suin-Tan smirked.  Those fools will not get up there in time, he thought.  Guess I must end this silly business.  He walked up underneath the second floor railing studying it for a second, then leaped grabbing hold of the edge.  Quickly pulling himself up over the top of the banister, Suin-Tan set out after the couple.
     Meanwhile, Ono lead Kasumi into the manager's office seeking a way out of their predicament.  He told her to lock the door, rushed over to the window opening it up.  There was nothing for them to climb down on, the fire escape situated towards the rear of the building.  A narrow ledge ran along the side of the building, Tofu immediately deciding his next move.
     "We're leaving, Kasumi," he said stepping out.
     Kasumi peered out the window gazing at the street below.  She let out a light stammer and drew back.
     "Come on, Kasumi," pleaded Ono.  "This is no time to be scared."
     "I-I-I don't think that is such a good idea, Ono," she answered, eyes wide in fear.
     Ono peered down at the street again, then stepped back inside.     "Honey, sweetheart, dear.  Our choices are very limited right now, and I think we will be having company here very soon.  I'm not to fond of greeting them with open arms, and I don't think you will be either, so if you would please follow me, please?"
     Kasumi still was not sure of what he proposed when a sharp crack sounded from the door.  Suin-Tan's fist burst through the center leaving a large hole as it was drawn back., Kasumi quickly climbed out the window onto the ledge, Ono close behind her.
     "Come now, Tofu!" shouted Suin-Tan as he peered through the hole.  "Let's not make this hard for me!"
     Ono ignored him.  Carefully he inched along close beside Kasumi, holding her hand to steady the fear stricken woman.  "Slowly, now," he said as they worked their way along towards the fire escape at the end.  A crash was heard, then Suin-Tan stuck his head out the window.
     "Oh this is interesting," he said.
     "I'm glad you find this enjoyable," answered Ono.
     Suin-Tan looked over their situation.  "Hmm, long drop, half-way to a fire escape, and me at this end.  Tch, Tch, Tch, doctor.  Now is the way to be hosting your charming lady?"
     "Uh, no.  Unfortunately, current company is not exactly the kind we'd like to associate with."
     "Very funny," replied Suin with a laugh.  Climbing out onto the ledge, he sat watching their attempt to escape for a minute.  "Doctor Tofu, I will say you are quite resourceful.  Futile, but resourceful."
     Kasumi and Ono were half-way to the fire escape when the top door opened; Yamaguchi and several of his ninjas rushing out.  Kasumi let out a cry pressing back against Ono.
     "Tofu," called Suin again.  "If you come back now, I might just let you have a few minutes more with Miss Tendo."
     "So I see Marcus has sent you to kill me, is that it?" said Ono.
Somehow Tofu found out about Marcus, but Suin-Tan paid it no mind.    
     "Something like that.  You can't escape us," he said.
     Itchioni's face twisted into an angry snarl.  "Suin-Tan!" he shouted while directing several of his people out onto the ledge.     
     "Will you stop playing and get them before we attract attention!"
     "Now where are they going, Itchi?" replied Suin.  He sighed, standing up.  "Such impatience."
     Ono looked back and forth between them, moving to keep out of their reach.  Kasumi let out a moan of despair and he pulled her close.
     "They won't get us, Kasumi," said Tofu angrily.
     "Where can we go, Ono?"
     Tofu took another look around.  His eyes locked on the power cable running from the restaurant to the building across from them.  It was a good arms length over their head, a dangerous reach if he lost his footing.  Anything would be better than to fall into Marcus's hands.
     "Kasumi, hold on to me tight," he said.  She did, clenching her eyes shut not caring to see what her man was about to do next.  Tofu took in several deep breath.
     Suin-Tan stopped, tracing Tofu's gaze up at the cable.  "Tofu, I would not do that!" he shouted.
     "Do what, do what!?" cried Yamaguchi.
     Ono suddenly leaped; Suin-Tan and Itchioni both watching in surprise as he caught hold of the cable.  They dangled precariously over the street below.  Kasumi opened an eye taking a quick peek around.  When she realized there was nothing beneath her feet but air she let out a squeal, clinching tighter to Ono.
     "Tofu, you idiot.  Get back here!" shouted Yamaguchi.
     "Yes, I'll be right there in a moment," he answered, moving hand over hand further out along the cable.
     Yamaguchi let out an angry cry.  "Don't just stand here looking!  Get after them!" he raged at the ninjas around him.  They scurried into action; some darting down the steps for the adjacent building, others leaping out copying Tofu's move.
     Ono increased his pace attempting to reach the other side before the ninjas did, when he spotted a bus rounding the corner.  Timing would be critical, and with Kasumi in the state she was in he was going to need every ounce of skill he possessed to pull this off.
     He continued moving across luring the ninjas below to continue on towards the other building.  The ninjas on the cable behind them were closing the distance fast, but he remained calm watching as the bus drew near.  Making a mental count, Ono whispered to Kasumi to hold tighter then let go moments before the bus passed beneath them.  They landed hard on the roof bouncing around briefly before Tofu found the edge halting their movement.  
     The bus drove on, leaving a stunned and very angry Yamaguchi staring in disbelief as it rounded the corner.  Suin-Tan's clapping hands brought him around.
     "What are you doing?" he asked.
     "Very, very good, Doctor Tofu," said Suin-Tan.
     "You're congratulating him!"
     "Tofu is obviously more skilled than I surmised.  This makes the hunt that much more interesting."
     "We do not have time to be playing around, Suin-Tan.  Remember, we are on a schedule!"
     Suin-Tan's bright expression faded, a brow narrowing at Itchioni.  He remembered Marcus's words, gazing back in the direction the bus had gone.  "They have evaded us for now, Itchi," he said.  I doubt we'll catch up in time to recover the trail."
     Yamaguchi rolled his eyes and hung his head with a sigh.  Now was not the time to argue with this fool, he thought.  A quick glance at his watch told him they needed to be getting back to the estate.  How Doctor Marcus would take the news that they lost Kasumi Tendo was something he dreaded to dwell on.  
     Directing his teams to continue after the couple, Yamaguchi placed a bitter gaze on Suin-Tan before stalking back inside...

                               * * * * *

     Ranma burst through the doors of the Tendo household calling to his family.  There was no reply and he began running around in a desperate search for them.  After a short moment he realized that they were gone.  Tired from all of his running, Ranma staggered into the living room and dropped to his knees.
     "Please let them just be out," he muttered low, hoping that the gods to be would honor his request.
     A knock at the door sounded, Ranma slowly looking up.  This was not the time for any company, he thought as he went to answer the door.
     "Yeah, who is--," he started to say while yanking the door open.
Shock hit him as Renon Marcus stood with a bemused, calm expression on his face waiting for Ranma's reaction.  Time stopped between the two men, angered thoughts rushing to Saotome's mind as he stepped back.
     "Oh, so I can come in?" asked Renon.
     A cry rang out, Ranma executing a rounding kick aimed at Marcus's face.  At the same instant Renon tossed something out onto the floor where he could see.  Milliseconds from launching Renon Marcus into the next  universe, Ranma stopped as his eyes read the name tag next to him.
     'AKANE', it read sending a cold rush though his veins.
     Renon stood calmly at the doorway, his expression steady allowing Ranma time to realize what has happen.  "Would you mind get this out of my face," he said pointing at Ranma's foot.
     Slowly, Ranma lowered his leg, gazing angrily at him.
     "Yes, now let us talk, Ranma," finished Renon.
     "Talk?  Why you son-of-a-bitch!" snapped Ranma.  He rushed at Marcus.
     "Ah, ah, ah," said Renon, gesturing towards the name tag.  His words stopped Ranma dead in his tracks.  He waited, watching with keen interest while Ranma shook in rage, knuckles white as he clenched them tight fighting back his desires to pound him.
     "Smart boy."
     Ranma's eyes lock on him, a dark cold fury set in them.  "What have you done with Akane?" he growled.
     Marcus teased him.  "Nothing," he said walking past to stop close by his side.  "Yet," he said into Ranma's ear, then slipped arrogantly to his other side.  "For now."
     Ranma whipped around.  "You've better not have done anything to her!"
     "Just her?" replied Renon.  Ranma drew back and he smiled.  Taking a casual stroll over to the living room doorway, Renon peered inside.  He purposely delayed any explanation, taunting Saotome enjoying his anguish.  Finally he continued.
     "I trust you've noticed the lack of the usual furniture in the dojo?"
     Ranma frowned.  "Usual furniture?" he said.
     "Yes, Soun and Genma.  This dojo would not be complete without their idiotic banter echoing through the halls."
     The tension increased throughout Ranma's body.  Slowly, he tipped his head back and closed his eyes letting out a long sigh.  "And I can assume you have my mother as well," Ranma said.
     Renon paused, arching a brow.  "So she is your mother.  I was wondering who the young lady was I have in my possession."  He turned around.  "I wanted Kasumi, but this might change things."
     "What do you want from me, Marcus?"
     A frown appeared, Marcus starting slightly.  "It's not obvious, Saotome?" he replied.
     "What do you want!" shouted Ranma.
     Renon walked over until he was eye to eye with him.  "I-want-you, Saotome," he said thrusting a finger into Ranma's chest.
     Ranma's right hand was a sudden blur, snatching Marcus's wrist pulling his hand aside.  They stood eyeing each other; Renon's humored gaze melting away into a sneer.  His eyes cut down at the grip on his wrist then back up.  Ranma understood and reluctantly released him.
     "You learn fast, Saotome," said Renon walking past him for the door.
     "Hey, wait a minute!" shouted Ranma after him.  "Where are you going!  What about my family, and what do you want me to do?"
     "I want you to follow me, Ranma," replied Renon over his shoulder.     
     "We have to take a short walk."
     "Where?"
     Renon stopped at the double gates.  "You'll find out soon enough, Saotome.  Still carrying those same fallacies the last time we met. Tch, tch, tch, tch.  Sad."
     Ranma glared at him trying to figure out weather Marcus was telling the truth or not.  He could be bluffing, an attempt to lure him into trap.  The name tag on the floor; Akane's name emblazoned in white burned his mind, the absence of his parents and Soun to much to be of coincidence.  Forcing Marcus to talk would be much easier, but he knew Renon Marcus.
     Time was passing, and time was something Marcus did not want to lose.  He waited a moment, then called to Ranma again.
     "Are you coming, Saotome?"
     Ranma stood immobile, a hateful glare locked on him.
     "I will not ask again, Ranma.  This is yours, and their last chance.  Now, are you coming or not?"
     Ranma closed the door to the dojo behind him with a sharp slam, joining Marcus at the gates.
     "Good boy," said Marcus, patting him on the top of the head.
     Ranma jerked back.  "Don't push your luck," he snarled at him.
     Marcus chuckled lightly.  "Shall we?" he said gesturing out the gate.
     In bitter defeat, Ranma followed Marcus as they set off down the road...

                              Chapter Six

                                                                  05:00
    Sharp cracks filled the air as Ryoga knelt behind the spread of his umbrella, deflecting the morning stars and knives being thrown at him.  The hiss of Rei's staff made him react, diving out of harms way as it slammed down on the empty ground.  Ryoga rolled then shot to his feet.  His fist flew with blinding speed rattling a pair of ninjas into staggering dummies. The remaining ninjas drew back surrounding him.
     Rei took his staff up in a ready stance.  He regarded Hibiki for a moment, then nodded slowly.
     "You impress me, Ryoga Hibiki," he said.  "I have only had one other opponent give me such a challenge, and she is now no longer a threat."
     She? wondered Ryoga carefully watching the people around him.  The battle so far was a draw, moving away from the site of the picnic out into the open expanse of the field near a small pond.  Great, this would be the wrong time for P-Chan to appear, he thought.
     "Well, I'm glad you see it that way, but I don't think your friends here are enjoying this too much," he answered Rei.
     It was true, Rei noted how effortlessly Hibiki was pummeling Renon's ninja team.  It might have been a mistake not allowing his execution earlier.
     "I would not worry about them.  It is I who will be killing you," he said.
     Rei suddenly lashed out thrusting his staff at Ryoga,  it clattered loudly against the now closed umbrella, and the two men engaged in a battle of strength in the middle of the circle.  They strained against one another trying to gain leverage over the other, but Ryoga continued to hold his own against Rei.
     "Zuchen," said Rei amid his grunts.
     Ryoga smirked.  "What?"
     "Zuchen... Rei Zuchen.  I want you to... (urgh) know my name... before (argh) I kill you."
     "(grrrr) R-Really!" grunted Ryoga.
     "Yes!"
     Ryoga grinned, fangs barred menacingly at him.  "Negative!" he exclaimed, and head-butted Rei hard in the face.  The big man cried out loosing his grip on his staff as he fell.  In one swift move, Ryoga tucked his umbrella into his belt, snatched up the staff before it could hit the ground, and proceeded to use it against the renewed attack from the ninjas.
     A sweep blocked an attack from a pair of Sai, the end of the staff sprawling the ninja on the ground.  Twirling the staff before him, Ryoga brought it around to deflect a swipe from a Chinese sword aimed at his stomach.  The following sharp upper cut lifted the ninja from her feet to land a good distance away.  Suddenly a chain wrapped itself around one of Ryoga's ankles.  It jerked, threatening to upend Hibiki.  He merely laughed.  
     Planting the staff firmly into the ground, Ryoga pulled in his legs dragging the ninja helplessly towards him.  Jackhammer kicks greeted the ninja's stomach. A light toss wrapped part of the chain back around the ninja's waist, then Ryoga whipped him around into two more coming up from behind.
     "This is so easy," said Ryoga.  He was actually enjoying this fight.  Spotting a near by tree at the edge of the pond, Ryoga avoided another attack, running towards it.  The ninja's fell into pursuit behind him, Rei angrily leading the pack.  Making a short leap, Ryoga perched himself on one of the upper branches and waited for them to arrive.
     "Hey, I hope I'm not boring you folks to much?" he said sarcastically.
Rei stared up at him.  "You are amazing, Ryoga Hibiki," he said.
     "Why thank you, Rei Zuchen whoever you are," replied Ryoga.  "Now I'm going to assume you will not say who wants me dead so bad or why. So instead I'll just end this little light skirmish and pummel you into itty-bitty broken pieces.  Then you can all drag yourselves back and tell your boss to send better quality people.  Not that it will matter."
     "And an ego as big as his mouth," finished Rei.  "I said you were amazing, Hibiki.  Not impervious, and I will thank you very much if you would return my staff to me."
     Ryoga held the weapon up, looking it over.  "You know, I like it.  Very well made."  He looked back down at Rei.  "You're going to have to just come up here and get it, Mystery Man."
     One of the ninjas started to climb the tree, only to have Rei stop him with a light tap on the shoulder.  He waved them back then looked over too the ninja wielding the Chinese sword.  Rei held out his hand and the weapon was quickly handed to him.
     "I'm not coming up there, Hibiki," he said with a light smack of his lips.  "You are coming down here to me."
     The sword flashed, the blade hissing like an angered snake as it passed through the air.  It hissed again, Rei stepping back.
     The trunk of the tree began sliding apart.  Desperately, Ryoga clung on to the branch as the tree started toppling over.  The water below made him cry out, and Ryoga knew he had to react fast.
     Taking Rei's staff, Ryoga leaped out towards dry ground.  He thrust the end down into the soft earth and mud hoping it would not sink all the way and end any chances of escaping this fight alive.  He felt the rod strike solid ground, and vaulted through the air landing on the remaining stump.
     "Like I said, you'll have to come and get me, Zuchen," he said.
Rei attacked, swinging the deadly blade at Ryoga.  A parry by the staff halted the blow, then Ryoga kicked him in the chin driving Rei back.    
     The ninja's surged and the fight continued.  Ryoga dodged, leaped and parried blows, striking back with deadly efficiency defending his small area.  He thought he had everything under control, until his keen hearing caught the light melodic singing of Akari drifting up from behind the hill.
     "No, not now, Akari," he said to himself.  If she appeared, things would turn ugly real quick.  Katsunishiki or no Katsunishiki, one of these bastards would get too her.  It was time for a strategic withdrawal.
     Ryoga leaped over a swipe from Rei, landing on the blade forcing it down on the stump.  "Tag, your it," he said, punching Rei dead in the mouth.  Before the stars could clear from his eyes, Ryoga had bounded over Rei racing off for the open grounds and suburbs beyond.
     "Don't let him escape!" cried Rei charging after Hibiki.
     Over at the picnic site, Akari hummed a light tune as she rode Katsunishiki.  Her summer dress had been exchanged for a daring, two piece pink bikini carefully concealed beneath the white terry cloth robe she wore.
     "Ryoga, are your eyes still closed," she called teasingly to her man.  There was no reply.  Rounding the turn, Katsunishiki came to a stop.  He let out a confused grunt that mimicked Akari's feelings.
     "Ryoga?" she called again.
     Akari jumped down off the sumo pig's back and ran over to the picnic spread.  She looked around at the carnage of broken dishes and edged weapons lying about.  Panic started creeping up into her chest and Akari turned towards the open field.
     "Ryoga," she called again gaining no response.  "No," she whimpered lightly, then cupped her hands to her lips.
     "Ryoga... Ryoga Hibiki where are you!"

                                * * * * *

                                                                  01:00

     Mousse rounded a corner weaving his way through the people moving along the street.  Making a final turn, he spotted the Nekohatten at the end of the street and picked up his pace.  Get Cologne, Ranma's instructions echo repeatedly in his mind.  Shampoo's desperate cry for help played just behind that; Mousse gritting his teeth angry that he could not save the love of his life.
     It was only two blocks, a short dash across the street and he'd be through the doors alerting--. 
     KA-BOOM!
     An explosion rocked the street; Mousse backpedaling uncontrollably as the concussion rippled through the air.  A dark, thick pyre of smoke and flames billowed out of the shattered front windows.  Debris littered the area, several people lying face down on the concrete crying in agony.
     Mousse slammed up against a wall and slid down to the sidewalk dazed and confused.  He stared at what was once his home, then staggered to his feet.
     "oh no," he said low, taking a few steps towards the restaurant.  "Cologne... no, no, NOOOOOO!!!!"
     It looked hopeless to him  Mousse started charging across the street, when a woman suddenly grabbed his arm.
     "No, let me go!  I've got to get in there and--,"
     A knife flashed into her free hand, Mousse letting out a cry as she cut him along the right side of his chest.  Lashing out, he knocked her away clutching at the wound.  She had to be one of Marcus's people, then a thick loop of rope dropped down over his head, tightening around his throat.  Clutching the end, Mousse kicked behind him, hearing the satisfying grunt of pain as his assailant doubled over.
     He quickly pulled the rope from around his neck and backed away.  The confusion and mayhem around the growing crowd provided a perfect cover for Marcus's killers.  Mousse found himself not being able to trust anyone.
     He took one last look at the shattered building that was the Nekohatten, then ran off through a gap in the crowd...

                                * * * * *

     A prevailing silence filled Ucchans; Konatsu sitting at the counter looking around at the broken tables and chairs.  Across the room seated in one of the last unbroken chair, Tsubasa sat also trying to contemplate what had gone on.  They gazed around a few minutes longer, then finally looked at each other.
     "Well, do you have any ideas?" asked Konatsu.
     Tsubasa shrugged.  "I really can't begin to imagine," he replied.
     Konatsu got up and walked over to the main entrance.  He knelt, dabbing at the small puddles of blood on the floor.
"Very violent," he said.
     Tsubasa shot out of his chair.  "No kidding!" he cried storming over.  "What we need to find out is where is Ukyo, and is she hurt?"
     Rubbing the blood between his fingers, Konatsu let out a light hum.  "Calm down, Tsubasa," he said standing up.  "This fight happened not to long ago."
     "How do you know?"
     Konatsu went back over to the counter and grabbed a towel from the otherside.  "Bloods still fresh.  I'd say thirty to forty minutes tops," he explained wiping his hands clean.
     Kurenai took the stool next to him.  "How's that going to help us, Konatsu?  We still don't know where she's gone!"
     "Patience," replied Konatsu.  He looked over the counter.  "Three people," he said.
     "Is that a guess?" asked Tsubasa.
     Konatsu pointed down at the three folded papers on the countertop.  "I noticed the absence of dishes, food, anything that would have been scattered around the dinning room if there were other people in the restaurant."
     Making a light hop, Konatsu was over the counter examining the area.  "She was standing right about here," he continued.  His eyes fell on the empty skillet on the floor his right.  On closer examination, several streaks of blood ran along the outer side.
     "Looks like she hit one good," commented Tsubasa.
     "Yes.  Unfortunately it was not enough to keep them from overpowering her," replied Konatsu.
     Tsubasa ran his hands through his hair in angry frustration.  Returning to his stool, he let out a long moan and covered his head with his arms.  "Konatsu, who would do such a thing?  Why now?!"
     Konatsu hopped back over the counter.  "That I do not know, but I have every intention of finding her."
     "You mean 'we' have every intention of finding her," Kurenai corrected him.
     The doorbell of the main doors chimed drawing them around.  At the main entrance stood two policemen.  They looked around at the damage then walked in.
     "Trouble?" asked the lead one.
     "Just a little bit," answered Konatsu.  Something was wrong, Konatsu's senses tingling.  Policemen walk into what apparently was the scene of a brawl and all they can ask is 'trouble'?"
     "I'm sorry sir, but Ucchans is closed right now for... renovation," he explained.
     "Renovation hell!" shouted Tsubasa.  "The owner of this place was here and now she's been kidnapped!  Trouble you ask?  Why the hell aren't you guys trying to help us find her.  For that matter, where the hell were you?"
     "Kurenai," Konatsu said urgently.
     "Kurenai?" the other cop suddenly said.  "Tsubasa Kurenai?"
     Konatsu perked up.  Before Tsubasa could answer he cut him off.    
     "This is his 'sister', Miki," he said.
     "Miki?" questioned Tsubasa.
     "Miki," replied Konatsu firmly.
     Tsubasa made a light shrug.  "Miki," he acknowledged.
     The lead cop moved closer to them.  "We're looking for your brother, Miss Kurenai.  He's in a lot of trouble, a lot of trouble."
     "W-W-what kind (gulp), what kind of trouble c-c-could that b-b-be, officer?" stammered Tsubasa.
     The cop leaned menacingly towards him.  "We'll explain that when we find him.  Now do you know where your brother is?"
     The fear in Kurenai increased, his eyes wide.  Konatsu came to his aid.
     "Um, officer.  If we can find the owner of the restaurant we can--,"
     "We're not interested in Kuonji," snarled the second cop.
     Konatsu sat back.  He arched a suspicious brow at them.  We didn't mention Ukyo's name.  How did he know that?
     "Where is Tsubasa Kurenai!" demanded the first cop again.
     These guys aren't policemen.  Out of sight, Konatsu dropped his hand to his side shaking a small round pellet into his hand.  An explosion cut the air, rattling the windows.
     "What was that?" asked Tsubasa running over to the nearest pane.
     A pillar of black smoke started curling up into the sky over the top of the surrounding buildings.
     "Hey, hey Konatsu, it looks like there's a fire over near Chinatown!" he called back over his shoulder.
     Konatsu eyed the two impostors.  "Aren't you even going to try and find out what happened?" he asked them.
     "Our job is to find Tsubasa Kurenai," snapped the second cop.
     Just then the side entrance burst open.  Hikaru Gosunkugi ran in frantically looking around.  "Ukyo!  Ukyo where are you!" he called out.
     "She's not here," answered Tsubasa.
     Hikaru started to say something, then paused noticing the carnage around him.  He smirked.  "What the hell happened here?" he asked.  His eyes fell on the two cops and he flinched sharply back.
     Konatsu went to the end of the counter.  "Hikaru, what's so urgent you need Ukyo for?"
     The second cop whispered something to his partner.
     "Yeah, we've got major problems here," replied Hikaru.  "Shampoo's been kidnapped, Nabiki's been arrested for terrorism, and Ranma thinks Doctor Marcus is responsible for all of it!"
     "Marcus!" cried Tsubasa.
     "Yeah.  You remember him, Tsubasa," answered Gosunkugi.
     "TSUBASA!" exclaimed the two impostors.
     They reached for their guns, but Konatsu dashed the small pellet down on the floor.  It popped, thick white smoke billowing up into the air.
     "Tsubasa, Hikaru, run!" shouted Konatsu heading for the side doors.
     "STOP!" shouted one of the cops.
     Hacking and coughing, the two impostors made their way out into the open, but when they looked around the three were gone...

                                * * * * *

     The chase had run into the narrow streets of the Nerima suburbs, Ryoga keeping his lead on the pack of ninjas in pursuit.  Rei's angry cry echoed off the houses as they bounded over fences and through yards slinging every type of throwing weapon at him.
     Ryoga sprinted up a narrow alley.  He hit a fence at the end and scampered up.  Just before leaping to safety, a sharp, biting sting shot up the back of his right leg.  He fell tumbling to a rough stop on the ground below.
     "Great," he snarled, pulling a straight blade shuriken from the meat of his calf.
     There was no time to dress the wound and he ran on, coming out into another open street.  Rei had been smart, sending three of the ninjas around to cut him off.  Ryoga turned only to find Zuchen and the rest of his team arrayed behind him cutting off any escape.
     "Okay, students," said Ryoga twirling the staff around.  "Let's pick up where... we...,"
     A dizziness rushed through him, legs suddenly weak.  He slumped to one knee and rubbed his eyes.
     Rei laughed at him.  "So, Hibiki.  Not so impervious after all, eh?" he said leading the ninjas towards him.
     Ryoga held the staff out warning them away.  It felt like it weighed several tons and his arms dropped.  "What, what's going on?" he gasped.
     "Just a little poison, Hibiki," answered Rei.  He reached down pulling the staff out of Ryoga's grasp.
     Of course, thought Ryoga.  He looked back down at the wound on his leg.  The edges had already turned purple, the surrounding veins dark and cold.
     In desperation, Ryoga started pulling himself across the street.  Rei grinned.  He knelt next to him, following along with every pull that Ryoga made.
     "Such determination," he said.  "I commend you, Ryoga Hibiki."
Ryoga looked over at him.  "I'm not... I'm not dead... dead yet, Zuchen," he managed to say.
     "But you will be, and quite painfully I must add."
     The rumble of a distant explosion caught their attention.  Rei smirked passing it off returning to the current task at hand.  He stood drawing his staff up high over his head.
     "Good bye, Hibiki," he said.
     Ryoga could only stare up at Rei unable to defend himself from the coming blow.  He thought about Akari, picturing her delicate features in his mind.  "I'm sorry, Akari," he gasped, closing his eyes.
     GGGGGRRRRRROOOOOOOOONNNNNNIIIIKKKK!!!!!!!
     The loud cry of anger pierced the air startling Rei and the ninjas gathered around Ryoga.  Before anyone could respond, Katsunishiki burst through; Akari clinging tightly to his back, launching several of them through the air.  Rei let out a frightened cry before the Sumo pig batted him violently over the top of a fence.
     Akari leaped down from his back running to Ryoga's side.  She pulled him up into her arms.
     "Ryoga, Ryoga, speak to me, please," she said crying hard.
     Ryoga wanted to speak, but his breath was short and shallow, chest tight.  Akari could see him struggling for air.
     "Ryoga, don't you die on me.  Don't die on me!"
He needed help and fast.  "Katsuni!" she shouted, pulling Ryoga up by the front of his shirt.
     Katsunishiki finished stomping two ninja's into the ground, turning around.  Akari's call for help brought him running over.
     "I need to get him to a hospital!" she said trying to push him up onto the sumo pig's back.
     "...nnnooo," rasped Ryoga.  "fffaaarrrmmm,"
     Akari leaned close not quite sure she heard him right.  "Ryoga, did you say 'farm'?" she asked.
     It was all Ryoga could do to stay conscious, but he fought through the numbing black creeping over him.  He blinked his eyes twice.  Akari frowned, desperately trying to understand him.  He blinked them twice again and she finally caught on.
     "Katsuni, we're going home!" she said.
     Katsunishiki grunted.  He took Ryoga's collar between his teeth and with Akari's help had him draped firmly over his back.  Akari climbed up.
     "Let's go!" she said holding on to Ryoga as tight as she could.  Katsunishiki let out a grunt and ran off down the street...

                                * * * * *

     Walking down the sidewalk hand in hand, Ono and Kasumi moved along in a light daze.  They were both thankful to be alive, somewhat amazed by their miraculous escape.  After losing Marcus's people, the couple quickly made their way as far from the center of Nerima as fast as they could.  Using the surrounding traffic of people as cover, they worked their way steadily back towards the Tendo Dojo.
     Ono's concern for Kasumi's safety remained prominent in his mind.  At her home he figured the added protection by Soun, Genma, Ranma and Akane would be more than adequate against anything Marcus could throw at them.  Once her safety was assured, then he could concentrate on this charge against him by the police.
     Kasumi suddenly stopped, drawing back to look strangely at Ono.  He arched a brow expecting her to speak, but she remained silent, moving on.
     "Kasumi?" questioned Tofu.
     She said nothing.  Her grip on his hand tightened as she inched closer to him.
     "Dear, are you alright?" he asked.
     Kasumi let out a low sigh.  "Ono, I, I, I feel bad things are happening around town," she answered.  The sad, sullen look about her face remained fixed, eyes glassy and lifeless.
     "Let's get you home," replied Ono.  "There we can sort out what do next."
     A rumble filled the air.  Tofu looked up spotting smoke appearing just over the rise of buildings several blocks away.  He knew what section of town that was, and it obviously had something to do with Marcus.  The couple exchanged looks again, then Tofu lead Kasumi down another street.
     "Let's see if we can get to Ukyo's restaurant," he said to her.
     "Do you think Marcus is trying to gain revenge on all of us?" asked Kasumi.
     "Yes, and that means he's probably struck at the dojo.  Going back now would only be committing suicide."
     Kasumi bit her lower lip, fighting back her tears thinking about her families well being.  Marcus would be so bold, and after the way Akane was able to engineer their rescue, she knew her little sister would bear a great deal of attention from him.
     "Ono, can't we go and check?"
     Tofu shook his head.  "No.  Marcus want's you," he answered.  "By now his thugs are scouring the streets in search of us.  We need to get far away from our usual haunts, gather up whoever we can, then come up with a plan of attack."
     "But my family--,"
     Ono stopped, turning to her.  "I'm concerned too, Kasumi, but falling into his hands will not help anyone," he said.
     Kasumi understood his reasoning, nodding her head.  Tofu smiled.  He lifted her chin back up towards him.  Brushing away the stray hairs that draped down her face, much to her surprise he planted a light kiss on her forehead.  She smiled back up at him.
     "Come," he said, and together they continued on down the street.
It wasn't long before they were within the vicinity of Ucchans.  Just several streets away, the sudden appearance of Konatsu, Tsubasa, and Gosunkugi halted their advance.  The three were in a full run, Tofu pushed Kasumi back behind him calling out to the three.
     "Konatsu, Tsubasa, Hikaru, this way!" he shouted.
     Without any hesitation they turned running towards them. Exhausted, Hikaru and Tsubasa dropped to their knees trying to regain themselves; Konatsu keeping a wary lookout on the street behind.
     "Doc... are we glad... to see... you!" gasped Hikaru between breaths.
     "I take it you were not running for your health then," replied Ono.
     "Yes and no," answered Konatsu.  "Something has happened to Ukyo, and apparently it stems from something that's happened sometime ago."
     Ono smirked.  "Marcus," he said.
     "That is the name Hikaru mentioned."
     Kasumi's light gasp sounded again, Tofu feeling her press up against his back.  The anger building inside him increased twofold.  Suddenly, Hikaru was back up on his feet.
     "Doc, Doc, I was on my way to the Tendo Dojo when I ran into Ranma and Mousse!" he said frantically.  "We were going to get everybody together and meet at Ucchans to try and figure out what to do!"
     "You saw Ranma?"
     "Yeah!  Mousse told us something happened to Shampoo; a, a, kidnapping or something by some guy I don't know.  Nabiki, Nabiki, she was--,"
     Hikaru stopped, looking fearfully over at Kasumi.  She stepped from behind Tofu, hands clasped nervously together.
     "What has happened to Nabiki, Hikaru?" she fearfully asked.
     "Ah... well, the police arrested her, Kasumi."
     "Arrested her!" exclaimed Kasumi.  It was starting to become to much for Kasumi.  She broke out into sobs, pressing her face into Ono's chest hugging him tight.
     "What did they arrest her for?" asked Ono.
     "I'm not sure, Doc.  I think I heard something about terrorism."
     "Hmm," sounded Tofu, going into deep thought.  The police arresting Nabiki; Shampoo's kidnapping; Ukyo's disappearance, Marcus must have planned this out well.  This lightening strike has caught all of them off guard, and it appeared that their problems were just beginning.
     "Hikaru," called Konatsu.  "Were you sure it was the police that took away Nabiki?"
     "It looked like them," he replied.
     Tsubasa stood up.  "What are you getting at, Konatsu?" he asked confused.
     "Those, quote, quote, 'Policemen' who visited us in Ucchans were fake."
     "Fake?" said Tofu.  "Are you sure, Konatsu?"
     "Yes."
     "Hmm, that means we cannot trust them, or anyone for that matter."
     Kasumi pulled away from him.  "So what do we do now, Ono!" she exclaimed.  "Where can we go.  Who, who can we turn to for help?"
     Tofu could see the panic creeping over Kasumi.  "We'll figure out something, Kasumi," he replied.  "The first thing we need to do is get off the street and find a place to hide for awhile."
     "Well, Ucchans is out," commented Tsubasa.
     "Yes, and I don't think any of our homes are safe either," added Hikaru.
     Konatsu arched a brow.  "Not all of them," he said.
     "Lead on," said Tofu, quickly understanding what he meant.
     Konatsu motioned for them to follow him as he started up the street.  "Oh, and while we're at it, could somebody please fill me in on this 'Marcus' person?"

                                 * * * * *

     The dull report from an explosion drew Ranma's head in its direction.  He stopped, watching as smoke rose up into the sky and frowned.  Marcus glanced down at his watch.
     "Hmm, a bit behind schedule," he said.  "Come along, Ranma, we're almost there."
     Ranma hurried to catch up with him.  "What have you done?" he asked angrily.
     Marcus said nothing, moving along with a smile on his face.  Soon, they reached the industrial section of Nerima, and Ranma recognized where it was they were going.
     The familiar high walls that surrounded Renon Marcus's old hideout loomed large before them.  Ranma felt a long dread flow through him as they approached the gates.
     "Bring back any 'fond' memories, Saotome?" Marcus asked cynically.
     "I'm not becoming your slave again, Marcus," scowled Ranma.
     "Don't say things you have no control over, Ranma," he replied.
     Pushing open the gates, he gestured for Ranma to pass him.  With a dark sneer on his face, Ranma walked through.  Renon pulled out his cell phone, talking into it for a moment then hung up pushing in the doors.  Together, they walked across the now empty expanse towards the rear loading bay.  Ranma looked around expecting to see his family, but they were not around.
     "Where are we going?" he asked.
     "Home," replied Renon.
     A black limousine sat in the center of the loading bay, then the driver's door opened up.  Out stepped Sapparo and Ranma stopped in his tracks.
     "I believe you two have met," said Marcus.  He draped an arm around Ranma's shoulders leading him forwards.  "This is Sapparo. Master Ninja, and soon to be your instructor."
Ranma pulled away, drawing back.  "I said I'm not taking any of that Ginso-stuff you fed me before, Marcus!" he shouted.
     "I have no intention of giving you Ginsukou, Ranma," replied Renon.  "I want you to obey me on your own freewill."
     Motioning Ranma to follow, Renon walked around to the other side of the limo.  Ranma expected him to open the back door, but Marcus kept on going.  He stopped in front of the trunk; Sapparo popping it open.
Inside were three sets of steel manacles.  Ranma guessed who they were for.
     "I've gone this far, Marcus," he said.  "What more do you want?"
     "To trust you totally is a mistake I made the first time I dealt with you, Saotome," replied Renon.  "This time I'm not taking any chances. So if you would be so kind."
     Ranma glared at him, then reached down picking a pair up.  He sat down on the edge of the trunk and clipped the ends around his ankles.  Hopping around, he took the second set and clipped them firmly above his knees.
     "Allow me," said Marcus, picking up the last set.
     Ranma went silent as Renon secured his wrist behind his back.  Renon pressed the clasps tight gaining a satisfying grimace of pain from him.
     "There, are we comfortable now," he said.
     Ranma's chest heaved with fury.  "I'm going to get you, Marcus," he said angrily.  "I don't care how long it takes, I don't care if I end up in prison; I'm going to kill you!"
     Renon arched a brow.  A light flick of the wrist produced a blackjack from his sleeve.  The humored look faded away into a dark sneer as he drew his arm back.
     "That will be quite enough from you, Saotome."
     THWACK!