And here's Part 2, just fresh off the computer!

Enjoy!



=====
Fred Herriotfherriot@yahoo.com**** **** ****"Fanfiction IS Real Life!"**** **** ****

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	Nerima, the Tendou dojo, a half-hour later...

	"Oh, MY!!!"

	"What is it, Onee-chan...?!"  A gasp.  "Holy shit!!!"

	Hearing Nabiki's outburst, people stream down.  "What's going on?!" Souun demands, then he sees what now plays on the television.

	"What's this?!" Nodoka asks.

	"Terrorist bombing at Tomobiki High," Nabiki reports.  "That's at least what NHK's saying right now.  But look who's there!"

	She points.  Eyes lock on the image.  Sure enough, a familiar red-haired girl with a pigtail and red Mandarin tang appears, now tossing aside shattered wall and floor fragments so others could get survivors out of the sea of devastation which had once been part of Tomobiki High School.  Seeing his son in the midst of helping hundreds of innocents flee from such a disaster, Genma beams.  "That's my boy!" he chuckles proudly, crossing his arms.  "Nothing stops him from doing a martial artist's sworn duty!!"

	"Hai, Saotome-kun!  They'll probably give him a medal for it!" Souun laughs, slapping his friend on the back.

	"Hai, you're right!" Nodoka adds.  "My son is SO manly!"

	A disbelieving snort from Akane.  "All this'll end up doing is make his ego even larger!" she crosses her arms.

	Everyone stares at her, causing the youngest Tendou to wince.  "Akane!!" Kasumi gasps.  "That's NOT a nice thing to say!"

	"Oi, who's that?!!"

	Alerted to Nabiki's shout, everyone turns back to the screen.  Right now, the rescue workers have backed away as a slender man in a black ninja's gi hefts a large slice of wall.  Clearly, he is tired, but determined to see this through.  Ranma poises herself beside the slice, then using a storm of knife strikes similar to her chestnut fist attack, shatters the section, tossing them clear. 

	"Wish they'd give a close up of that guy!" Nabiki mutters.

	As if in answer, the camera zooms in, revealing a familiar face even if it is covered in beard and moustache.  "Moroboshi?!!" Akane exclaims.

	Before anyone else can comment, Ataru hefts the shattered wall section, then points at it.  He shouts something.  A beam of light from his fingertip cleaves the section in half before he tosses them aside, then he attacks the next large piece of wreckage.  Whistles of awe escape Souun and Genma.  "Now, THAT'S chi control!!" the former breathes out.

	"Hai, it appears the Master was right," the latter nods.

	"Of course I was right, you idiots!  Don't you ever listen?!"

	Souun and Genma get bopped on the head by Happousai's pipe as the grandmaster perches on Genma's shoulder.  "M-master...?" Souun feebles.

	"Quiet and pay attention, boy!" Happousai snarls.  "You might actually learn some things for a change!"

	Both fathers clam up, then turn back to the television.  Seeing this, Akane sighs, then leans over to whisper to Nabiki.  "Onee-chan, who in their right mind would actually look on THAT sick pervert as a martial artist?" she points at the image of Ataru, who was now tossing shattered wall fragments aside as Ranma destroys the larger pieces with the chestnut fist attack.

	"I hate to say this, Akane, but I think you're way off-base on this one," Nabiki shakes her head.  "Then again, given how much he's probably changed, I wonder what everyone in Tomobiki's thinking about right now."

	Akane snorts.  Staring at her, Happousai shakes his head...

*    *    *

"Lonely Souls"
by Fred Herriot <fherriot@yahoo.com>
**** **** ****
Editing/C&C by ...
**** **** ****
Based on "Urusei Yatsura" and "Ranma �," created by Rumiko Takahashi; and "Sister Princess," created by Naoto Tenhiro and Sakurako Kimino.  This story is set after the end of the "UY" and "Ranma" manga series.
**** **** ****

NOTE:  The writer's notes are at the end of the story text.

**** **** ****

THE SECOND PART - WALLS

	Tomobiki High, an hour later...

	"Well, there's the culprit.  Or rather, what's left of him.  Looks like he got his clothes made at Dupont or the Skoda works in the Czech Republic."

	Ataru points to a spot on the blackened first floor of his old school.  Fortunately for everyone, the basement sections of Tomobiki High were built under the central wing of the school only, not any of the outer wings.  Standing beside him, the chief of the Tomobiki fire brigade shakes his head.  After seeing what Ataru had done in the last hour, he knew all the old opinions about this man had to be tossed into the circular fire.  "How the hell can you sense that, anyway, Moroboshi-san?!" he gazes at Ataru.  "Besides, we need police..."

	"They'll just confirm what I've been trained to see," Ataru cuts the other man off.  "You can tell the senior inspector here the final count'll be eleven dead and forty-two requiring hospitalization, six of which might not make it if the doctors and nurses are the least bit off the ball.  Now, if you'll kindly excuse me, I need to rest up for a while.  Oi, Ranma!"

	Ranma was helping load the last of the wounded onto a stretcher for a trip to Tomobiki General.  As soon as the poor first-grader is on his way, she turns as Ataru jogs up.  "We did good," she breathes out.

	"Yeah, as expected," Ataru stares at the wreckage, then moves to guide Ranma off the property.  "C'mon, let's get the hell outta here."

	"Yeah, I'm hungry.  Any good places to eat around here?"

	"Nope.  Only one that was here moved to Nerima, remember?"

	Ranma snorts.  "Gotcha," she laughs.

	"Moroboshi-kun?"

	Both turn to see the Tomobiki High principal come up, along with two teachers Ataru was quite familiar with, Mark Onsen and Mitsu Hanawa.  "Hai, Kouchou-san, is there a problem?" Ataru sighs.

	"Problem?" Hanawa pats Ataru's shoulder.  "Certainly not, Moroboshi-kun!  Such school spirit you demonstrated today!  Now, I know you might've had a disagreement or two with your parents..."

	A finger lands on his lips, silencing him.  Ataru's eyes narrow as he gazes into his old homeroom teacher's eyes.  Gods, didn't this clueless jerk get it by NOW?!  "First of all, Sensei, I HAVE NO PARENTS!!  Secondly, they're two of the dead in there!" he nods towards the wrecked school.  "Thus, in conclusion, I am at present MORE THAN HAPPY to be rid of both of those jerks!  Whoever arranged this little act (much that I personally despise terrorism), in a way, did me one hell of a favour!!  So do me another favour and get this through your head:  I will NOT be coming back to this damned ramen stand EVER again!  The sooner I put you clowns OUT of my head once and for ALL, the BETTER!!"  He waves.  "Sayonara!!"

	Before anyone could say a thing, Ataru springs up to a telephone pole, then takes off.  A woman's shout distracts Ranma's attention to a television camera crew, the lead reporter trying to get a statement from the departing ex-Tomobiki resident.  Sighing, Ranma moves to follow, then finds herself facing a portable camera and a microphone.  "Ohayo gozaimasu.  I'm Michiko Tensei of NHK News in Nerima," she smiles.  "You came to help with the rescue effort with Ataru Moroboshi, didn't you...?!" she pauses.

	"Ranma Saotome," Ranma sighs.  "And no, I'm not interested in giving any interviews right now!  I'm really tired!  Excuse me...!"

	"Wait!!" the reporter dodges again before Ranma, cutting her off.  "Please, Saotome-san, you don't understand!  This is breaking news!!  This is the first time that Islamic terrorists have attacked non-American targets here in Japan!  Please, we only wanted yours and Moroboshi-san's opinions of this!"

	Ranma pauses, blinking as what Michiko said sinks in, then she sighs.  "Look, lady, I really can't say why folks from the Middle East'd blow this place up.  Though now that I think about it, given the garbage from two months ago with those oversized mushrooms and all that, these guys, whoever they were, might've had a pretty big beef with the folks livin' here!"

	"You mean you support this sort of thing?!" Michiko blinks.

	"WHAT?!!" Ranma flusters.  "Hell, no!  Of course not!!  Look, lady, I'm really tired here!  I just spent two hours helping clean some of this mess up and all that, so all I wanna do right now is get some food into me, then go sleep this nightmare off!!  If you'll excuse me, I gotta...!"

	"Wait!  Just one more thing, please!" Michiko cuts her off.  "What exactly is your relationship with Ataru Moroboshi?!  People here are saying that Moroboshi-san renounced Lum six weeks ago!  Are you his girlfriend?!"

	Ranma gags.  "SAY WHAT?!!" she leans right into the reporter's face, the reddish glow of her battle aura causing the camera crew to take a fearful step back.  "Look, lady, I dunno who put THAT stupid idea inta your head, but get THIS straight!!!  I am NOT Ataru's freakin' girlfriend, okay?!!  Shit, with the way Lum and some other chick named Miyaki treated him, he don't wanna deal with girls right now!  Personally, I don't blame him!!  I'm just his friend, probably one of THREE people he can call his friend right now!!  That fair enough to you?!!"

	Michiko stammers an affirmative, then senses a hand touch her shoulder.  She turns to see Reigi Yumoa standing there, impeccably dressed, a light smile on his face.  "Excuse me, Tensei-san.  My name is Reigi Yumoa.  I'm the executor of the will of Ataru's grandmother Nagaiwakai.  I understand you and your listeners are interested in what's happened to him over the last two months concerning his 'relationship'..." his voice drips scorn, "...with the late Oni girl Lum and those two roonin who WERE his parents.  I'm sure that given the incredible deeds she just performed today, Saotome-san really needs a chance to rest herself."

	"I..." Michiko blinks, then nods.  "Certainly.  Um, just one more question, Saotome-san?" she turns to Ranma.  "Why is it you became friends with Ataru Moroboshi of all people?  I mean, you must've heard about..."

	"Him chasin' girls?" Ranma snorts, then looks away before glancing over her shoulder.  "Look.  Ataru told me about the crap he's lived through thanks to Lum and the nimrods here, not to mention the abuse he took from his parents..."

	"Ex-parents," Reigi cuts in.

	"Whatever!" Ranma flashes an annoyed glance his way, then she sighs.  "All his life, he's been treated like garbage by almost everyone who says they either liked him or loved him.  Well, let me tell you somethin'," she glares at Michiko.  "I know what it's like to be used, abused and even BETRAYED by people who said they loved me!  Family and so-called 'friends' alike!!  So don't tell me any of this crap about Ataru bein' the cause of all the garbage that's hit this place since Lum came here!  Far as I'm concerned, it ain't true!!  That's why I call him my friend, because he sure as hell NEEDS *real* friends...!" her voice then trails off as she closes her eyes.  "Just like I need *real* friends, too," she finishes with a hoarse whisper, then her eyes fall on the statue of Lum, still standing there in the midst of all that devastation.  "Matter of fact..." Ranma calls up her chi, then locks on target.  "***MOUKO TAKAIBISHA!!!!***"

	Everyone screams as the chi bolt slams into the statue, pulverizing it into a pile of fine dust!  Ranma relaxes, then stares at Michiko.  "There!  I just did my friend a favour!  He says he don't want any memorials to Lum in this place 'cause he don't want people treatin' her like a god or somethin'.  Maybe that's not such a bad idea!  I hope that when this is all over, they'll put a memorial here to all the innocent folks who got killed today.  They deserve it more."

	Ranma bounds up to a telephone poll, then departs...

*    *    *

	U-chan's, that moment...

	"R-ran-ch-chan!  Y-you c-can't m-mean th-that, c-can't you?!"

	Konatsu moves to comfort Ukyou Kuonji.  Tears spill down the chef's face as she stares blankly at the television.  "There, there, Ukyou-sama!" the male kunoichi soothes, touching several shiatsu points to keep his employer calm.  "Didn't you see?  Ranma-sama's just very tired right now!  That reporter had no right to press Ranma-sama right now, especially after what he just did!  Please, don't think such awful things!!"

	Ukyou jolts, then shakily nods.  "Y-yeah!" she rises, moving to stand behind her counter.  "Y-yeah!!  Ran-chan's just tired, that's all!  Ju-just..." sobs steal her voice as she collapses.  "R-r-ran-ch-chan...!"

	"Ukyou-sama!!" Konatsu moves to comfort.

	The chef doesn't refuse his embrace.  "Pl-please, Ran-chan, don't hate me..." she moans.  "Please don't hate me, Ran-chan...!"

	"Ukyou-sama..."

*    *    *

	The Kunou estate...

	"SASUKE!!!!"

	Tatewaki Kunou shudders indignantly as his ninja servant appears by him.  "Hai, Master, is there a problem?" Sasuke bows.

	"Sasuke, you are the lowest of the low!" Kunou rants as he points with his bokken at the television, now replaying images from Tomobiki High.  "Find out where that scoundrel Ataru Moroboshi now lives!  I have seen the beast in the company of the fair Osagi-no-Onna at this horrid event at Tomobiki High School.  Though my fair pig-tailed goddess doth proclaim the beast Moroboshi as a friend, I, the Blue Thunder, do know better!!"

	"What, sir?!" Sasuke trembles, though inside his heart, he tries not to moan in exasperation.  Lifetime service to the Kunou family wasn't worth all THIS aggravation!  *Oh, dear!  Whatever's gotten into him now?*

	"It appears the perverted beast doth have unholy designs on my flame-haired damsel of battle!" Kunou declares.  "That she moves to defend the acts of one of such LOW moral character as he speaks volumes!  Mayhap, the demon Moroboshi and the sorcerer Saotome are perhaps in alliance to break the free will of the beauteous pig-tailed one!  And if she of the flaming tresses is broken, what is to stop those two monsters from bending the beauteous tiger Akane Tendou to their evil will?!  I WILL NOT HAVE IT!!!  Go, Sasuke!!  Go forth, find the monster, then tell me so I might smite him with my blade!!!"

	"Y-yessir," Sasuke trembles.  When Kunou got into THIS state, there was NO reasoning with him.  *Why me?!  Oh, please, why ME of all people?!*

*    *    *

	The Tendou dojo...

	"H-he c-can't m-mean that, c-can he?!"

	After hearing Ranma's last words over the television, one could cut the silence that followed with a knife.  Akane is on the brink of tears, Kasumi moving to comfort her.  The devastated look on Nodoka's face matches that of her would-be daughter-in-law.  Genma is seething, muttering things about children having no respect for their elders.  Souun is within a hair's breadth of launching into another crying fit.  Happousai has gone o his room to look in on his darlings; what happened at Tomobiki High was of no concern of his.  Nabiki looks very grim.  "Nah!" she breathes out.  "Ranma-kun's probably wiped out 'cause of what he and Ataru-kun just did.  He's not probably thinking real straight right now."

	"Hmpth!!  A REAL martial artist would be able to withstand anything he faces!  The boy's slacking off!!" Genma scoffs.  "I'm going to take him on a training trip and straighten him out..."

	A light weight lands on his shoulder.  "**You -- will -- not.**"

	Genma gargles, then knocking Happousai away, dives for the koi point.  As soon as the panda emerges, a sing goes up.  [I'M JUST A SIMPLE PANDA!]

	"Fine, then," Happousai, relaxed on the coffee table, puffs his pipe.  "Since you're a 'simple' panda, you have NO right to dictate my heir's future training schedule.  AND AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED, if Ranma-chan wishes to stay with Ataru-san and his sister, he can stay there."

	The panda's sign flips around.  [B-B-B-BUT...!!]

	"But me no buts!!" Happousai snaps, causing Genma-panda to duck the grandmaster's incensed glare.  His eyes then narrow before the pipe twirls and taps Souun on the back, causing him to collapse to the floor, unconscious.  "And none of your idiot plans either, Souun!  Like I said earlier, both of you are too STUPID to come up with anything creative!!"

	With that, he saunters back upstairs, whistling a happy tune.  The others watch him go.  "Why is he being so adamant about this?!" Akane huffs indignantly, then sighs, throwing up her hands in resignation, rising to head to her bedroom.  "Well, if he wants that idiot Ranma to stay with that pervert Moroboshi, that's fine by me!  I've got better things to do!!"

	Nodoka sighs, then turns to Nabiki.  "Could you at least find out where this person lives now, Nabiki-chan?  I feel it is long since time that I've had a talk with my son about his obligations."

	"Sure, but I better warn you to leave Ranma alone for today," Nabiki notions to the television, still relaying scenes from Tomobiki.

	"I'll keep that in mind."

	With that, the Saotome matriarch heads upstairs.  Kasumi and Nabiki watch her go, then exchange a knowing look.  "They won't listen," the latter warns.  "Damn it all, they just won't listen, Onee-chan.  And all they're going to end up doing is making things loads worse, not better."

	"Agreed," Kasumi nods...

*    *    *

	Tomobiki, the Miyaki home, evening...

	"How is she, Shinobu?"

	Shinobu sighs, sitting at the kitchen table as her mother Kimiki washes the dishes.  "Asleep right now.  She didn't take well to the news."

	Kimiki nods, silently intoning a prayer for Ryuunosuke's father and Nagisa Shinowataru before carrying on with the dishes.  Thanks to the work Ataru and his new friend did when the attack occurred, the police were able to quickly identify who had been killed that morning.  Atop the suicide bomber himself, a native of Qatar who might've (according to the rumours being circulated over the television and other media now) had potential ties to radical Islamic fundamentalists, ten people had been killed.  Aisuru Megane and his three friends, Muchi and Kinshou Moroboshi, two yet-to-be identified second-year students who had the ill-luck to be in the hallway when the blast occurred, Fujimi Fujinami and Nagisa.

	There would be no body for Nagisa, Ryuunosuke soon learned after Ataru and Ranma departed.  Sakura and Cherry told them why.  Since Nagisa had died once and had been resurrected thanks to the Great Sea Urchin, if he ever died again before he could have helped birth children, there would be no further chance of another resurrection.  Even worse, the body created by the Great Sea Urchin's magic would disintegrate, leaving no mortal remains behind for Ryuunosuke to bury.

	It had been too much for the poor woman.  Shinobu had been forced to carry her dazed friend back home, arranging with Sakura to have what personal belongings that survived the attack brought over as soon as possible.  Shinobu's father Toshoba contacted the family lawyer to begin making arrangements so that he and Kimiki could become Ryuunosuke's legal guardians.  It was the least the Miyakis could do for the orphaned tomboy, Shinobu sighs, then lightly smiles.  Perhaps when he fully recovered from his wounds, Mendou might be willing to help.

	"I suppose it's to be expected," Kimiki sighs.  "Loosing her mother when she was just a baby, forced to live as a boy her whole life..." her voice trails off before she shakes her head.  "Your father told me he's going to have Ryuunosuke-chan re-registered as a girl.  Turns out that her father had the poor girl legally registered as a boy all this time."

	"Idiot," Shinobu tries not to moan too much, then she shrugs.  "Well, at least now, she can finally learn what being a girl's all about without her father or some other stupid fool getting in the damned way."

	"True.  We'll have to be very cautious about that," Kimiki warns, then gazes at Shinobu.  "She might need professional counselling, too."

	"Unn," Shinobu nods, then rises, heading to her bedroom.  Looking inside, she blinks, then steps in.  "Ryuu-chan, what are you doing up?"

	"Can't sleep," Ryuunosuke sighs, gazing at the book in her lap.

	Shinobu notices which book it is.  Sitting beside her, she glances at the chapter the Bible was turned to, then frowns.  "Here," she takes the book, then flips to a more appropriate chapter.  "Read that," she points.

	Ryuunosuke blinks, then reads:

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures:
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul:
He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His Name's sake.
Yes, though I walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death,
I will fear no evil:  For You are with me;
Your Rod and Your Staff, They comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of mine enemies:
You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
Such goodness and mercy shall follow me in all the days of my life
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.

	The tomboy places the book down, then stares at Shinobu.  "Why've you never told me, Shinobu?  That you're...?!"

	"A Catholic?" Shinobu blinks, then chuckles.  "Well, I..." she pauses, then sighs.  "I was afraid to tell people about that, Ryuunosuke."

	"Why?"

	"Well, you know how much most people don't like those who don't fit into the mould," Shinobu wryly smiles.  "Though I guess in our school, that didn't matter too much in the long term.  I guess I was afraid, deep down."

	"Of what?"

	"Of having something happen to me.  Someone attacking me through my faith in God to weaken me for whatever reason.  You..." a pause, then, "You noticed what happened to me shortly after Lum was kicked off the planet."

	Ryuunosuke thinks for a moment, then nods.  "Right."

	"Well, my pastor, Father Cristobal Rodriguez -- he's from Mexico -- once told me that my strength must have come from my faith.  That it was a gift from God to protect me from the craziness that was going on around us.  He..." another pause, then, "I guess God decided that since Lum wasn't going to come back to Earth again, I didn't need that strength anymore."

	Silence falls as the tomboy considers that, then she sighs.  "A lot of things aren't going to be the same from now on, ya know."

	"Hai, you can say that again," Shinobu bows her head.  "Jesu Cristo, to believe..." tears brim her eyes.  "I mean, Aisuru and his friends, Ataru's parents and..." her voice halts, she not wanting to inflict more pain on the woman beside her.  "All of them are dead!  It's so unreal...!!"

	"Pretty damned real to me," Ryuunosuke hoarsely whispers.

	Shinobu blinks, then her tears freely flow as she draws Ryuunosuke into a hug.  The soft feel of her best friend's comforting touch breaks through the self-imposed dam holding back the tomboy's grief.  Ryuunosuke shudders as her own tears spill down her cheeks, she holding onto Shinobu for dear life...

*    *    *

	Observing from atop a telephone pole across the street, a young man in a rabbit suit with apron frowns, his eyes misting.  "I wish I could help you and your friend deal with this, Shinobu-san," Inaba sighs, wiping his cheeks with a paw.  "But there are greater powers at play here.  It will become worse, much worse, before it could ever hope to be better..."

	***IT IS GOOD THAT YOU REMEMBER THAT, INABA.***

	The destiny management worker jolts, then shakily turns to see what stands behind him, floating in mid-air.  As his eyes lock on those horrid features, Inaba makes a sign to ward off this creature.  The names this entity had varied across the cosmos, but they all meant the same thing.

	The One Who Waits At The End of All Things.

	Trumpeter of the Final Collapse.

	The Master of Entropy.

	"Wh-why...?!" Inaba stammers.  "Why are you here?!  Your avatar has no interest in Shinobu-san!  Leave her be!!  Make him leave her be...!"

	A robotic hand, as black as darkest night, grabs the destiny management worker by the throat, boosting him a foot into the air.  ***PERSONALLY, I CARE NOT FOR WHAT THAT SLIP OF A GIRL MEANS TO THE ONE WHO CHOSE TO CALL ON ME TO BE RID OF THE WORMS IN THIS TOGHMOGHBIKI,*** the Master's cybernetic left eye glows star-bright as he draws Inaba face-to-face.  ***WHAT WILL HAPPEN HERE SOON WILL HAPPEN, INABA.  WHAT MUST BE WILL BE.  THERE IS NOTHING YOU NOR YOUR FELLOWS IN THAT PATHETIC HALL OF DOORS YOU CALL HOME CAN DO TO CHANGE THAT FACT.  LEAVE THE MIYAKI GIRL AND HER FRIEND ALONE.  GO ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS.  WHEN THIS IS ENDED, THEN YOU AND YOURS CAN STRIVE TO RESTORE THINGS TO THE WAY THEY WERE BEFORE.***

	He lets Inaba go, causing the destiny management worker to collapse atop the phone pole.  With that, the Master turns away, his mostly-metal face turning down so the skull-like jaw can form a smile.  A humourless smile, Inaba notes.  ***BUT KNOW THIS ALSO, INABA:  YOU WILL FAIL.***

	With that, the apparition fades.  Inaba watches him go, then shudders as fresh tears spill down his cheek, his paw coming up to cover his face...

*    *    *

	Nerima, the Moroboshi home...

	"<<Thank you for answering my summons, Elder Kun-lon.>>"

	"<<When it comes to Son-in-Law, I am always concerned,>>" Cologne gravely nods as she follows Ataru to the old shrine's meditation room.  The Nyuchezuu elder had come alone; Ataru specifically requested that.  Of course, Cologne was pleased to see that the future patriarch of the Moroboshi Clan had acquired such a fluent command of Mandarin, even going so far as to speak it with a Nyuchezuu accent.  "<<Though I'm not too sure that he might be happy to see me, especially given the events of this morning...!>>  Eh?!" she stops at the doorway, her eyes widening in shock on seeing who else is there.  "What are you doing here, Happy?"

	"What the hell does it look like, Cologne?!" Happousai sighs, puffing his pipe.  "Much that you consider the child a potential heir, I also see her as my heir, too.  Besides, Negako-chan asked that I come here."

	Cologne blinks, then gazes at the two others in the room.  Ranma is lying front-down on a futon, nude save for towels to make things modest.  Kneeling beside her is a woman looking like Ataru's sister, yet...

	Oh, Goddess, no!

	Not THAT thing!!

	FREE?!!

	"<<If you will reserve whatever indignation you might feel at my having achieved what I sought for so long, Kun-lon, we can get on to the matter at hand concerning your 'son-in-law,'>>" the monster then speaks.

	Cologne blinks, then sighs, moving to stand beside Happousai as Negako continues her analysis of the sleeping Ranma.  "What's wrong?!"

	"Turns out that idiot Genma was actually a lot smarter in certain areas than even I suspected," Happousai shakes his head.

	"Look here," Negako points to one cluster of shiatsu points, now marked in grease pen for Ataru's benefit.  "Do you see the disturbance?"

	Cologne reaches over, then taps the points lightly, calming herself as she allows the echoes from those points to warp through her.  Her eyes widen, then she does another examination.  Same result.  She gazes at Negako.  "How in the Goddess' name did THIS happen?!  When?!"

	"The 'how' and 'when' are easy," Negako sighs.  "As Happy surmised, Genma must have gone forth to locate knowledge of this nature so that he could, for as long as possible, keep his child in a mentally deficient state.  As for the 'when,' it happened before he and Ranma left Nodoka on their training trip.  What now should be asked by both of you is..."

	"Why," Ataru finishes.

	Cologne and Happousai blink, then exchange a look.  "I take it this isn't what you'd might want of the child," the former wonders.

	"Of course not," the latter shakes his head, then turns back to Negako.  "Any chance of properly fixing this up, Negako-chan?"

	"It is easily done, but it will require time," Negako nods, then stares knowingly at Happousai.  "And NO interference from those who would desire Ranma NOT to possess full command of her mental facilities."

	"Not so easily done," Happousai shakes his head.  "The kids in this place are so damned headstrong when it comes to the way they look at Ranma here..." he makes a dismissive wave with his hand.  "Fools!"

	"Agreed," Cologne nods.

	Negako nods.  "Then we have to make Ranma a less-desirable target."

	The elder martial artists watch as her hands blur, fingers tapping points all along Ranma's head, shoulders and back.  Seeing which ones were targeted, in the combination Negako followed, Cologne's eyes widen even more.

	Goddess, to do THAT...!

	"This might be too much," she warns.

	"On the contrary.  Given Ranma's current mental and emotional state, it is the only proper response," Negako counters.  "His unwillingness to strike at those who affirm that they love him because of Genma's skewered morality, his misogynist attitudes only serves to invite further attacks.  As I repair this damage, I can also address the damage acquired when Ranma endured the Neko-ken training."

	"That would be a good thing," Happousai nods.

	"But...!" Negako holds up a finger in warning.  "It will extract a cost from all those who covet Ranma as a future mate."

	"What do you mean?" Cologne wonders.

	An emotionless smile crosses Negako's face.  "Why do you think, Kun-lon, that I address Ranma as 'she,' not 'he?'"

*    *    *

	Sometime later...

	"***THAT BASTARD!!!!!!***"

	Ataru draws back from a burning Ranma, the outrage the latter now felt at Genma's actions towards her years ago leeching from every pore on her skin.  Negako is in the kitchen preparing some herbal tea.  Taking a deep breath, Ranma forces herself to calm down, the battle aura around her fading.  Sensing things were safe now -- he really didn't want to see his new friend accidentally wreck the first house Ataru could call his own -- Ataru clears his throat.  "Yeah, you can sure as hell say that again!" he snorts, then sighs.

	"Who knows about this?!" Ranma demands.

	"Outside Negako-neechan and I, Happousai and Cologne.  They promised to keep silent about it, especially when it might come to those who'd be happy to tell Genma that he no longer has any decent levers to keep you suppressed.  If you want to know, both were peeved at what Nee-chan found."

	Ranma blinks, then her eyebrows arch in disbelief.  "You sure?"

	"Hai.  Look, despite the crap they've heaped over you, it's obvious to me that they both happen to care for you a lot.  They want you to have as good a life as you can since that guarantees that what they might want to teach you in the future will survive.  They both see you as their heirs, Ranma.  Instead of grousing about it, why don't you take advantage of it?"

	She considers that, then sighs before noticing Negako step back into the room.  "Oh, thanks!" she accepts the offered tea cup, then sips before nearly gagging on the taste.  "Gyaah!!  What the hell IS this stuff?!"

	"Exotic herbs from Zephyrus that will begin the process of repairing the damaged neurons inside your nervous system," Negako replies.  "Here."

	She taps a shiatsu point under Ranma's chin.  The martial artist blinks, then takes another sip.  No taste at all.  "Thanks," she sighs, drinking down the rest of the tea before sitting back.  "Damn him..."

	"You will remain here until such time as I can finish with the repairs to your body," Negako ordains, setting the tray aside.  "To ensure that no one might, either purposefully or accidentally, undo the repairs I make, I've manipulated certain of your shiatsu lines to create a special defensive mechanism that may remain in effect as long as you so desire it."

	"What will it do?" Ranma asks.

	"It will automatically, upon sensing that an attack through whatever means is coming, block any inhibitions you might have towards striking out at certain parties.  Women, for example, especially your so-called 'fiancees.'"  Hearing that, Ranma blanches, but before she could object, Negako's fingertip touches her lips to silence her.  "You've already taken on some lasting damage in your brain from all the blows to your head thanks to Akane's chi-mallet," Negako continues.  "I can repair the damage, but I will not succeed in helping you reach your full potential if you allow those fools to get away with what they have over the last two years, even more.  If they cannot handle the fact that you will not bend to their will again, then perhaps they might finally decide to help you regain your honour by cancelling the engagements on their own accord."

	"She's got a point there," Ataru muses.

	Ranma blinks, then looks down.  "They'll hate me..."

	"Perhaps," Negako nods, then stares intently at her.  "But what is more important?  Their selfishness or your continued good health?"

	"Well..."

	"You did tell us that they only see you as an object to be coveted, not a person, didn't you?" Ataru adds.

	"Yeah, I did, but...!"

	Ataru sighs, then reaches over to gently squeeze Ranma's shoulder.  "Look, Ranma, let me tell you something.  If that crap this morning didn't happen and if the morons back in Tomobiki decided to come after me to drag me back so they can go on abusing me to their hearts' content, I'd be doing the same thing to them.  That's what morons like those need sometimes."

	Ranma closes her eyes, then shudders as she considers what sort of reaction THAT could provoke with the people around him.  Ryouga, Mousse and Kunou would go totally ballistic.  His parents and the Tendous wouldn't like it, either.  Taking a deep breath, she gazes at Negako.  "How long?"

	"At the outset, two weeks.  If you wish me to aid you in finally overcoming your ailurophobia, add four more weeks.  And if you wish to learn less violent techniques to more easily suppress your many rivals (such as shiatsu strikes and the like, much less the basic manoeuvres in our Art), I need two weeks beyond that to prepare you.  Genma effectively stripped you of any chance of employing your considerable learning skills in any other field beyond basic martial arts.  That you mastered several chi strikes in your state alone speaks well of your overall ability.  But you have the ability to do more, Ranma.  MUCH more.  Is it only wise that you go forth and experience what you can, learn what might interest you instead of being a constant, unwilling slave to the wishes of others?"

	"You know, on a planet named Yehisril, to be a 'willing slave' is considered lower there than what we'd view burakumin," Ataru adds.

	Ranma stares at him, then her own hands.  "I suppose so..."

	The siblings exchange a look, then Ataru sighs, patting Ranma's back.  "Look, why don't you sleep on it.  We'll worry about it tomorrow."

	"Uhn..."

*    *    *

	The Nekohanten, next morning...

	"<<WHY?!!>>"

	Cologne sighs.  "<<Ataru Moroboshi's sister discovered that fool Genma manipulated certain of Son-in-Law's shiatsu points to inhibit his ability to learn on his own.  Son-in-Law was for YEARS deprived of his free will to do what he might desire.  An effective form of enslavement, I confess.>>"  A pause, then, "<<Negako states she needs two weeks to effect repairs to Son-in-Law's mind.  If Son-in-Law acquires Negako's aid in eliminating his ailurophobia, you can add a month more.  Until that has passed, you will NOT harass or do anything else which Son-in-Law might constitute as an attack on his person.  Is that understood?>>"

	Shampoo shudders.  "<<Great-grandmother, we have better means to help fix Airen's mind.  Even more so, we can take the chance to fully win Airen away from the Violent Kitchen-Destroyer and Spatula Girl, not to mention that honourless panda Airen has to call a father!  Why are we letting the Moroboshis deal with this?!  We could loose Airen once and for all!>>"

	"<<Do we?!>>" Cologne's eyebrow arches.  "<<Xian, you know as well as I why our tribe entered into an alliance with the Moroboshis and the McTavishes.  In certain areas, THEY possess the greater knowledge.  Believe me, Negako knows what she is doing, Xian.  Let her do her work.>>"

	Shampoo considers that, then sighs.  "<<Great-grandmother, I mean no disrespect, but I've never even HEARD of this Negako Moroboshi.  Who is she?!  How does she have all this knowledge in the first place?!>>"

	The elder sighs.  "<<Alright, you deserve to know that much, Xian.  Negako is none other than the living spirit of our allies' Art brought into physical form five years ago at the behest of Ataru.  Her last host.>>"

	Silence.

	"<<***WAS HE OUT OF HIS MIND?!!***>>" Shampoo shrills, her eyes wide.

	Her great-granddaughter's fear was something Cologne understood well.  The Nyuchezuu annals rebounded with tales of the *saikoo jinseijitsu,* a sentient, psychic database built up over many centuries by the Moroboshi Clan.  Those annals told the tale of how the *saikoo jinseijitsu,* sometime two centuries ago, acquired free thought, then began a quest to seize control of its hosts so it could live its own life.  The last time that the *saikoo jinseijitsu* managed to get free and tried to escape, back in 1808 as the Western nations counted time, half of Hokkaido was nearly destroyed. 

	"<<No, Xian, he wasn't insane.  He was only twelve at the time,>>" Cologne shakes her head.  "<<And in his innocent way, he understood something we, with all our knowledge, experience and wisdom, couldn't accept.  That the being inside him only wanted to do things those such as you and I take for granted.  With the help of Nagai-chan's friends on Zephyrus, that happened.>>"  A sneer then crosses her lips.  "<<And because of that simple act of good will, Ataru's honourless parents decided to destroy not just his life, but Nagai-chan's, by manipulating an equally naive Negako into erasing those parts of Ataru's memories which centred on the other elements of his family.>>"

	Shampoo takes that in, then pales.  "<<You must be joking!>>"

	"<<Believe me, child, I wish I was not,>>" Cologne sighs, the look in her eyes reflecting her true age.  Seeing that, Shampoo fights down the urge to sweep her great-grandmother into an embrace, allow Cologne the chance to mourn the loss of one of her oldest, dearest friends.  But that wasn't done in the Nyuchezuu, even within the same family.  It was a sign of weakness, something that a warrior tribe didn't consider proper, especially when it concerned the honoured dead.

	"<<So what is Negako like?>>" Shampoo wonders.

	"<<Very cold and analytical,>>" Cologne inwardly smiles.  Good.  Shampoo was, through her questions, probing for possible routes of attack, seeking out ways to advance her own station in life.  A good sign to see that her overall strategic training hadn't gone totally to waste in this land.  "<<Possessing a skill level even all the elders in the Council COMBINED could not match.  Also very protective of Ataru for understandable reasons.  Again, child, I caution you STRONGLY to not cross Negako on this matter with Son-in-Law.  Now is the time to wait, not advance.  Besides, the chances are there that Happy might decide, as is his right as the grandmaster of Musabetsu Kakutou-ryuu, to ask Negako to become Son-in-Law's new primary teacher.  You know what that means?>>"

	"Aiyah...!" Shampoo's eyes swirl.  To have children trained in BOTH the millennia-old traditions of the Nyuchezuu AND the Path of the Supreme Life?!  Why, that would be as awe-inspiring as if one of the Nyuchezuu had married one of the McTavish Clan, their prodigy latter winning the right to weld that clan's honour blade, the Sword of Scotia, much less perhaps locating one of the Talismans...!

	Taking a breath, Shampoo sighs.  "<<Alright, I'll back away.  Airen needs time to heal, not more pain, CERTAINLY not from that honourless panda or the Kitchen-Destroyer!  I can direct myself that way for now.>>"

	"<<Wise choice.  Anyhow, we best prepare for the morning run.>>"

	"Hai!" Shampoo switches back to Japanese.  Moving to step into the main restaurant, she pauses, then stares back at Cologne.  "Hibaa-chan?"

	"What is it, child?"

	The younger warrior takes a deep breath, then sighs.  "<<Do you think that even if Airen is healed, he might still want me?  You heard what he said yesterday when he helped Ataru save those people at Tomobiki High.>>"

	"<<Yes, Xian, I did.  And...>>" Cologne sighs.  "<<It is too hard to speculate now given how much is up in the air, child.  Don't panic.  You'll only disappoint yourself.  And even if Son-in-Law might reject you, there are other ways to bring him into the tribe even if we don't ask him to come to the village.  You know how Son-in-Law is willing to help out when it comes to people in need.>>"

	"Hai, Hibaa-chan right," Shampoo nods, then heads out.

	Cologne watches her, then nods.  "You may have to keep that well in mind when Ranma finally accepts what she's become, Xian," she whispers...

*    *    *

	The Tendou dojo...

	"Oh, shit...!"

	"I take it you overheard?"

	Nabiki yelps, then spins around to see Happousai perched on the back on her chair, puffing his pipe.  "Damn it all, Ojii-chan, DON'T DO THAT!!!" she growls, then looks away, staring at her computer, as if wishing that the words it had just recorded from the Nekohanten weren't true.

	"Sorry!" the aged grandmaster chuckles, then pats Nabiki's shoulder.  "So, now you know some things about what's going on.  Understand now?"

	The middle Tendou daughter considers his question, then nods.  "Oh, believe me, I do.  I just found out that Ataru-kun's sister is probably the most dangerous being on the PLANET right now, that Genma's a worse asshole than even I suspected, and that if Akane looses her temper around Ranma-kun anytime in the near future, SHE'LL be sent to the hospital."

	"Good," Happousai nods, sighing.  "Oh, don't worry about what might happen, Nabiki-chan.  It's just like what went down in Tomobiki yesterday.  Some of those idiots who hang around Ranma-chan all the time, even the three lunkheads here, need a wake-up call before one might wind up getting killed.  You have to admit, that's where things might've been heading with Ranma-chan if Ataru and Negako-chan hadn't come along.  Agreed?"

	Nabiki blinks, then nods.  "Agreed.  But try to get Akane to go along with it, much less Ukyou and Kodachi.  By the sounds of it, Shampoo'll back off and leave it be for now, but what about all the others?"

	"Then, they learn it the HARD way," Happousai snorts...

*    *    *

	Hikarigaoka Park, an hour later...

	"Here you go, Ranma-san.  That must've been hard work yesterday, ne?"

	"Hai, Fred-san, it was," Ranma grins, accepting the plate from Fred Yamada, Nerima's resident hamburger expert.  A retired Ground Self-Defence Force signals sergeant, Fred owned his own yatai, often keeping it close to Hikarigaoka to solicit customers (and, at the same time, not steal business away from U-chan's, the Nekohanten and now Tampopo's).  To better understand his newly-chosen trade, Fred had spent time in the United States to learn how to create the fast-food delight places like MacDonalds made famous.  Fred also was a martial artist (a smart thing to be in a chaotic place like Nerima), practising a variation of what the Kuonji family long ago perfected using spatulas and other kitchen tools.

	Fred then gets to work on Ataru's order, a copy of Ranma's.  "So you decided to leave Tomobiki and come live here, eh, Ataru-san?" he puts a patty on the grill.  "Think it'll be much of a change?  I've heard of how crazy things in Tomobiki got when Lum was living there and all that."

	Ataru hums, then shrugs.  "To be honest with you, Yamada-san, I just dunno.  Personally, I just want to put those people behind me.  I sure as hell don't want them dead, for Heaven's sake, just out of my life!"

	"Well, you sure proved that yesterday, even if the papers in Tomobiki are giving Ranma-san sole credit for rescuing everyone," Fred snorts.

	"How'd you learn that, Fred?" Ranma asks.

	"Tampopo-san told me," Fred reports.  His apartment was a half-block from Tampopo Kamekichi's restaurant and the two, after getting to know each other, had begun exchanging cooking tips.  "Fortunately, the papers outside of Tomobiki got everything dead on.  Why do they do that, anyway?"

	"Typical Tomobiki mentality when it comes to me," Ataru snorts, then nods thanks as Fred gives him his order.  "If I do something wrong, it's in every freakin' newspaper from Naha to Wakkanai.  If I do something right, it's not reported or else someone else gets the credit.  I guess I'm just used to it, that's all.  Besides, most of the players who've really played volleyball with my life are dead.  And..." he pauses, then sighs.

	"Feel a little lost, don'tcha?" Ranma wonders.

	"'S funny," Ataru smirks.  "You're right there, Ranma.  I do feel a little lost now.  Sorta like part of me's sayin' to myself that this isn't the place where I'm supposed to be.  I mean, I had to deal with Megane and his crew spying on me all the time, Lum zakking me even if I just LOOKED at another girl, Cherry popping outta NOWHERE to give me bad advice, Mendou trying to take my damned head off with that katana of his..." his voice trails off, then he shrugs.

	The others laugh.  "I think you might get some things like that living here, s'pecially if you decide to go to school at Furinkan High," Ranma smirks.  "Kunou'll probably decry you as some sort of sorcerer, just like he does my male self all the time.  Ryouga's got a beef with you already since you came down so hard on him back at Tampopo's.  You might be lucky and avoid Mousse since the Amazons are 'clan-siblings' to your clan.  Akane'll definitely mark you as a pervert, just like she does me.  Nabiki might try to do things to get you under her thumb; it's the same like she does to everyone else.  And because you hurt Akane there, her dad, instant he meets you, will go into his demon-head thing to scare the living daylights outta you.  You know, Ataru, you're lucky you don't have a curse like I do.  THEN you'd be really into things here."

	"Why, since you recommended that, I'll just have to go off and get one!" Ataru smirks, then looks nowhere in particular, holding up his hand.  "Excuse me, waiter, can I see the Jusenkyou Curse menu, please?!"

	More laughter from Fred and Ranma before a new voice warns, "Are you sure, Ataru-san, you would actually desire something like that?"

	"Hey, Mousse, c'mon over!" Ranma waves the nearsighted Chinese weapons-master to a free stool beside her.

	"Usual there, Mu-tzu?" Fred asks.

	"Please, Fred," Mousse sits down.

	"I take it, you're another frequent visitor to Yamada-san's fine establishment," Ataru stares curiously at Mousse.

	"Hai, I am," Mousse smiles.  "Much that I do appreciate the cuisine the Nekohanten puts out, one gets rather tired of having it ALL the time.  Believe me, Ataru-san, I was grateful that your friend Kamekichi-san decided to move here.  No offense to Ukyou's fine skill, but having a very limited choice between okonomiyaki and Chinese dishes..."

	"Yeah, that'd be boring," Ataru admits, munching his hamburger.

	"By the way, I've got a question," Fred hums.  "How is it, if you renounced your family, that you still go by 'Ataru Moroboshi' anyway?"

	"That's easy.  I didn't renounce my family, just my parents," Ataru smirks.  "All in the wording, you see," he winks, eliciting chuckles from the others.  "When Negako-neechan came to me after the Second Tag Race and got my memory back on-line, I remembered that the leadership of my clan passes from GRANDPARENT to GRANDCHILD, not parent to child like it does in most other families," he holds up a finger.  "And because Grandma was clan head at the time she died and since there were no women to take her place at my generation (and since I wasn't married at the time), it automatically fell onto me.  THAT'S why Kinshou tried to get me married off to Lum.  Because if we did get married, she would be clan head (since it's normally desired that a woman lead the clan, not a man), not me."

	Fred and Mousse are aghast.  "You're kidding," the former whistles.

	"Goddess, what a monster!" the latter shakes his head.  "It's no wonder that you walked away from them like that, Ataru-san!"

	"Amen.  Well, once I realized what was really going on, I went to a judge in Sendai -- turns out he's a friend of my uncle, Komeru -- and had Grandma's will examined.  She stated that for the leadership to pass onto a wife of mine, the wedding ceremony would've had to have been done by one of two people.  One, a Shinto priest named Chiezou Budou.  He's another friend of Grandma's.  Two, a priest from Zephyrus who was there when Grandma passed away, Darklight Sunfire.  And there's no way the leadership would change if I got a 'common-law' wife."

	"Did your mom..." Fred ignores the look on Ataru's face on hearing that last word, "...know about this?"

	"Hai, she did," Ataru nods.  "That's why she had Negako-neechan blank out my memories and made sure any reference about Grandma was blanked out from the house in Tomobiki.  She figured that once I was married, she could force the courts to overturn that provision of the will.  And since Lum and I were underage by Japanese law, our legal guardians -- Muchi and Kinshou -- would have full access to all of Grandma's estate."

	"Whoa!!  How much are we talking here?!" Ranma demands.

	"All Grandma's Earth possessions put together, fifty trillion yen.  All the stuff in Zephyrite space, about nine hundred billion UniCredits."

	Silence.

	"Goddess..." Mousse winces.

	"That's a shit-load of cash," Fred whistles.

	"Yep," Ataru sits back in his chair.

	"So what now?" Ranma asks.  "You're still underage, right?  Who's your legal guardian now that those two jerks are dead?"

	"Negako-neechan is," Ataru winks.  "You see, Grandma was a really smart cookie.  She pretty much figured out what Kinshou was up to, but because Lum later got involved and because the U.N. didn't want any problems and all that with the Onis, she really couldn't do much to stop her.  It..." he looks down, his voice lowering as he remembers what Negako and others had told him about Nagaiwakai's last days.  "Well, in the end, it broke her and all that.  But she knew what was going on, so she made sure her will was made up in a way that'd make it impossible for Kinshou to do anything before Negako-neechan could jump in and change things.  And Grandma made sure that Nee-chan was declared a legal adult and all that before she died.  Once that happened and I decided I'd had enough of Muchi and Kinshou, I renounced them, stating that I would only acknowledge Negako-neechan as my immediate family.  The rest was easy as pie."

	"So how did your sister get her body anyway?  I can tell it's as human as yours," Ranma wonders next.

	"Clone-bioroid," Ataru responds.  "You'd be amazed at how advanced the Zephyrites are.  Worlds ahead of the Onis in every department.  Once I convinced Grandma that Negako-neechan should have her own life, she contacted a friend on Maigaru (that's a Zephyrite colony) and got everything set up.  Once the body was made, all that was needed was to move Nee-chan's conscience from my body to her own.  Then, after everything went crazy and I lost my memories, Nee-chan realized she had to learn a lot about what being human was all about.  That's why it took her so long to get back to me and get me out of that mess in Tomobiki."

	"Sad," Mousse grimaces.  "If your sister could've intervened sooner, perhaps things for everyone in Tomobiki might've gone better."

	"Or worse," Ranma notes.

	"Hai.  Well, it's too late now to wish for things that just aren't going to happen, I suppose," Ataru sighs, sipping his drink, then he tenses on sensing something enter his chi-scanning range.  "Uh-oh."

	"What?" Ranma stares at him.

	"Psycho-tomboy with very bad food," Ataru whispers.

	"Ranma, there you are!!"

	Fred sighs, moving to get the breakables out of the way as Akane storms up, a pot in her hands.  Ranma stares at her fiancee, then sighs, turning back to her own meal.  "Ohayo, Akane.  What's that you got there?"

	"Oh, just some beef stroganoff I made for you!" Akane shoves away the plate before Ranma, then plops it down before her.

	Ataru stares at the pot, using his chi senses to see what was inside.  WHATEVER it was, it sure as hell wasn't beef stroganoff.  "<<I remember an old joke from the United States years ago,>>" he whispers to Mousse in Mandarin, glad that Akane couldn't understand.  "<<'Where's the beef?!'>>"

	Mousse fretfully nods.  He had heard many tales about Akane's cooking.  One of Shampoo's primary tactics in winning Ranma's heart centred around keeping the latter away from the "kitchen destroyer's" cooking.

	Ranma sighs, staring at the pot, then hands it back.  "No, thank you," she rises.  "I've no time nor the patience to put up to your awful excuse for cooking.  If you think it's so good, why don't you try it first?  Thank you very much for the meal, Fred.  It was wonderful as always."

	Akane jolts, then quakes indignantly as Ranma walks away.  "Now, just a minute, Ranma!  You get back here and...!!"

	"And be poisoned by you, just like you've tried to poison me all the time since we met?!" Ranma glares at her.  "For crying out loud, how many times do I gotta repeat this?!  YOU CAN'T COOK, Akane!  And I refuse to bother the doctors to get my stomach pumped because you don't LISTEN!!"

	A chi aura forms around the youngest Tendou as Ranma turns her back on her, then she snarls, Mallet-sama forming in her hand as she sets the pot aside.  "RANMA NO BAKA!!!!" she screams, charging at her fiancee's back

	Fred and Mousse wince, bracing themselves to see Ranma take another flight on Air Akane to who-knows-where.  Ataru remains calm.  Ranma stops, then ducks, twirling right to avoid the mallet's downsweep, then her fist lashes out to slam HARD into Akane's right elbow.  A muffled *CRUNCH!!* from the lower part of her humerus shattering from the impact echoes as she drops to her knees, screaming out in surprise.  Ranma's other fist forms a chi ball that lashes out, catching Akane under the armpit.  The blast sends the youngest Tendou soaring into the morning sky towards the family dojo.  "GET OUT OF HERE, YOU MANIAC!!!!"

	Akane's scream fades in the morning air, immediately replaced by one person clapping.  "Bravo, bravo!!" Ataru whoops as Ranma recovers, then he crosses his arms.  "Damn, now THAT'S the way to handle a psycho-bully like that!!  Wouldn't you guys agree...?!  Eh?!  Yamada-san?!  Mu-tzu?!"

	He looks, seeing Mousse and Fred flat on their backs, dazed looks on their faces as their eyes twirl with disbelief.  "He -- actually -- HIT -- her?!" the Nyuchezuu weapons-master gargles before passing out.

	"It's -- the end -- of the -- world," the yatai owner joins him.

	Ataru blinks, then shrugs before noticing Ranma gazing fretfully at the pot of food Akane had brought him.  "Oi, Ranma, you okay there?" he rises, walking over to place a comforting hand on her shoulder.

	She stares blankly at him.  "Ataru."

	"Yeah?"

	"Tell your sister to work quick, okay?"

	Ataru blinks, then nods.  "Right..."

*    *    *

	The Tendou dojo, minutes later...

	"OH, MY!!!!"

	"What is it, Kasumi...?!  Eh?!!  MY LITTLE GIRL!!!!"

	Nabiki, Genma and Nodoka charge downstairs, then look out onto the front lawn to see Kasumi trying to tend to a bruised and burnt Akane, she having just smashed through the sakura tree to crash into the rocks around the koi pond.  Souun knees beside his unconscious child, twin jets of tears dousing everything in sight as he bewails how badly his precious little baby was hurt.  Seeing how bad Akane got beat up, Nabiki shakes her head.  She knew Akane had worked herself into a lather to prepare a "meal" for Ranma that morning, taking off to give it to her fianc� before anyone could try to stop her.  Now, if what she overheard Cologne warn Shampoo about earlier that morning was true, things didn't look good for Ranma when -- or should she say "if?!" -- he came back to the dojo.

	"What on Earth happened to her?!!" Nodoka charges out to help Kasumi carry Akane into the dojo, laying her down on several floor mats.

	"I..." Kasumi scans the wounds, then notices the bruising around Akane's right elbow.  A gentle touch with her finger causes Akane to moan as she rolls onto her side.  A glance to the youngest Tendou's eyes reveals a semi-lucid look.  Too dazed to answer questions.  Sighing, Kasumi races into the kitchen.  "Don't touch that, Akane!" she warns.  "It's broken!!"

	She returns, drawing out a splint to lay against Akane's arm.  The others watch as the arm is properly bandaged, then tied against Akane's side to restrict motion.  "Nabiki, summon the doctor, please?!  We need to get her to a hospital to have X-rays done on the arm just in case!"

	"Right!" Nabiki races off to make a call.

	Akane is then eased onto her back, a pained moan escaping her.  By then, Genma is examining the wounds.  "A very skilled martial artist did this," he shudders.  "No doubt, it was a surprise attack of some sort."

	Nodoka gasps.  "But what sort of monster could do this to her?!  WHY would she be attacked this way?!  Akane-chan's such a sweet girl!"

	"My little baby..." Souun burbles from the front lawn.

	An ambulance's siren is heard.  Kasumi rushes outside to guide the paramedics in, they carrying a stretcher.  Akane is quickly loaded on, then taken away, Souun and Kasumi going with her.  The Saotomes stand at the front porch, then Nodoka sighs, staring at her husband.  "Come, Genma.  We best get to the hospital to ensure Akane-chan is well.  Nabiki!!"

	"What?!" Nabiki calls down from her room.

	"Are you coming with us?!"

	"Tell Otou-san and Nee-chan I'll be there in a little while!" Nabiki assures them.  "I gotta check out the health insurance and all that!"

	"Alright!  We're heading out now!!"

	With that, they depart.  Watching from her bedroom window, Nabiki waits until the Saotomes were safely heading down the street before picking up her cell-phone and dialling.  "Hello, Tsuzumi-san?!  It's Nabiki!  Listen, you got the place where Ataru Moroboshi is at now?!"  Hearing the answer, she nods, jotting the address down.  "Okay, got it!  Thanks!!"

	She hangs up, then heads out...

*    *    *

	The Moroboshi home, some minutes later...

	"You wanna know something, Ranma?  I really think Akane's got a future in xeno-biology!  This thing's almost alive there!"

	The pot of "beef stroganoff" sits on the front lawn, something within it bubbling.  Ataru, Ranma and Chigaiko Inu (who decided she wasn't going to spend any time in Tomobiki in the wake of yesterday's events) stare warily at it.  "And she's been trying to force-feed her cooking into you ever since you two met, Ranma-san?" the latter stares concernedly at Ranma.

	"Yep," Ranma sighs, then shakes her head.

	"Well," Ataru's eyes narrow as he senses someone approach, then he stands up.  "Do we let this thing live or put it out of its mercy?!"

	Thumbs-down from Ranma and Chigaiko.  "Okay.  Stand clear," Ataru sighs, then cups his hands close to his chin as he concentrates.

	"***KONTOU!!!!***"

	The front gate to the old shrine opens, Nabiki looking in.  Alerted by the shout, she looks at Ataru as chi seems to drift away from him, forming a katana of pure energy in his hands.  Nabiki's eyes widen as Ataru brings the soulsword down in one clean cut to "slice" the pot in half.  As soon as the chi blade makes contact, a wailing shriek escapes from the pot as something tries to break free.  Once the cut is made, the object sinks into the pot once more.  Ataru straightens himself, allowing the soulsword blade to rest on his shoulder.  "'It's aliiiiiiive!!'  NOT!!!!" he laughs, then stares at Nabiki, a snide smile crossing his face.  "Ohayo gozaimasu, Tendou-san.  Pleasant day to kill something, ne?!"

	"I..." Nabiki feels a BIG lump form in her throat as this new piece of data is filed into the part of her brain where information on Ataru is kept.  "Um...!  Ah, if you believe so, Moroboshi-san," she chuckles.

	This was Not Good.

	"My heaven," Ranma sighs.  "Something actually scares her!"  A quick shift into "uber-kawaii" mode, then she gazes starry-eyed at Ataru as he disperses his soulsword.  "Ne, ne, Moroboshi-senseeeeeei?!  Do you think you can teach me that trick?!  Huh, huh?!  Please?!  Pretty please?!!"

	"Weeeeeeeeeeeelll, maybe!" Ataru winks in return.

	"Waaaaaaaaaaaaaai, I'm so lucky!!" Ranma gushes.

	Chigaiko laughs.  Nabiki tries not to bolt and run.

	No, this was Not Good At All...

*    *    *

	Later...

	"So what is it you want, Nabiki?"

	Ranma relaxes in her guest bedroom, sipping a cup of the special tea Negako made to help repair her mind.  Nabiki sits close by.  A quick glance around told her that Ranma had taken ALL her belongings from the dojo when she came to stay with the Moroboshis.  "Akane's in the hospital right now," she sighs.  "Broken right arm and second-degree burns on the right side of her ribs.  All of which had to come from a pretty experienced martial artist."  Sensing Ranma slightly stiffen, Nabiki quickly moves to moderate.  "Look, I know you did it, Ranma.  Or rather, you were *forced* to do it because Negako-san did something to you as a way of protecting you because she's trying to help fix you up.  I know you've got some damage to the brain thanks to all the times Akane hit you with that damned mallet of hers.  I also happen to know what that asshole father did to you before you left to go on your training trip.  Relax, okay?  I'm here to help you."

	Ranma blinks, staring intently at her guest, then she looks away.  "Why don't I believe that then, Nabiki?" she quietly asks.

	Nabiki blinks.  This was unexpected.  "Excuse me?"

	A snort escapes the redhead.  "Oh, please, Nabiki, spare me the damned 'I'm innocent' act, okay?!  I'm not in the goddamned mood for it!!" Ranma snaps, all sense of emotion save anger disappearing from her eyes.  "I know you better than that!  Every fuckin' time something goes really wrong between Akane and I, you milk it for everything it's worth and make my life hell along the way!!  I'm SICK and TIRED of being treated like a brainless moron all the time just so you can get your damned kicks!"  Before Nabiki could react, Ranma suddenly looms before her eyes, one hand raised to show a small space between her thumb and index finger.  "Right now, I am THIS close to walking away from you assholes once and for all time!!  So say your damned say, then get out of my sight!!!"

      "I...!" Nabiki gulps, sensing the air around Ranma begin to boil. *Oh, shit, he really means it!!* a voice in her brain loudly warns as all of her danger alarms begin to ring.  "I...!" she tries again, then bows her head.  "I'm sorry, Ranma..." is all that barely escapes her.

	Silence falls as Ranma stares at her, then she turns away.  "I don't believe you're sincere.  And because of that, I won't accept what you just said," she flatly announces.  "And as far as I'm concerned right now, it's too late for apologies from you for all the garbage you've caused me, Tendou-san.  And if you think of running to your sisters or your father to make me bow down to you, I'll declare the whole arrangement with your family null-and-void.  If you think about it, you know I can do that, what with Oyaji having stolen Ukyou's dowry and all that.  Mom really can't argue against it, either.  And even if she did try, all I'd have to do then is renounce her and Oyaji.  That'd shut her up pretty quick, don't you think?!"  Not waiting for Nabiki's answer, Ranma makes a dismissive gesture with her hand.  "Now get out of my sight, Tendou-san."

	"I..." Nabiki blinks, her eyes suddenly tearing, then she jerkily nods.  "H-hai..." she rises, turning to leave, then she stops at the door, moving to stare once more at Ranma.  "R-ranma...!  URK!!!"

	Ranma's fist now hovers an inch from Nabiki's nose.  The middle Tendou daughter knew that a swift rabbit punch from the person before her could easily see her dead or in intensive care.  And by the looks on Ranma's face, the transformed martial artist wouldn't care either way.

	"Leave."

	Sputtering, Nabiki withdraws from the room, heading immediately to the main lounge.  Slipping on her shoes, she steps outside, only to be stopped by a voice.  "Perhaps simply asking Ranma's assistance in helping maintain your family's finances would've served everyone better, Nabiki."

	Nabiki turns, gazing at the woman in the black gi standing beside the doorway.  "I assume you must be Negako."

	"I am," Negako doesn't nod.  "Threats against someone do not always have to be physical in nature.  Psychological threats, emotional threats, even simple invasions of one's perceived private space, can readily injure someone as easily as a physical blow.  And unlike Akane, whom Ranma does care for even now, you have been a constant, consistent threat to her since the day she discovered your amusing hobby of selling compromising pictures of her to Tatewaki Kunou."  Moving to stand beside Nabiki, Negako glances nowhere in particular.  "You know, if you had approached Ranma honestly from the start, explaining the situation concerning your family finances, I believe she would've been pleased to assist.  Within reason, of course.  If she did, she might've soon discovered your own hidden interest in Musabetsu Kakutou-ryuu, perhaps even learned of what Akane did to you five years ago which forced you to cease practising the martial arts."

	Nabiki blinks, her face going pale as Negako's dark brown eyes seem to bore through all her defences, leaving the core of her soul bare, wide open for the ninjitsu grandmistress to scrutinize to her heart's -- did this creature actually HAVE a heart? -- content.  "H-how...?" she sputters.

	"Your body's chi patterns are an open book to one such as I, Nabiki," Negako reports.  "It is as easy for me to perceive your entire well-being by analysing that alone, though I possess numerous means of comprehending what has happened to you throughout your life.  You will be pleased to learn that I can easily repair the damage to your nervous system, thus giving your arms full range of motion.  If you so desire it, of course."

	Silence falls as Nabiki considers that, then, "But Toofuu-sensei said that repairing that sort of damage was impossible..."

	"To Toofuu Ono's knowledge at that time," Negako augments.  "If you do not know this by now, my family has had contact with aliens since long before Lum ever came to Earth.  I have access to means even Kun-lon or Happy cannot imagine.  In fact, the process by which I am now helping Ranma heal can be used by you.  And since the wounds to your nervous system are far less than Ranma's, I can easily deal with your problem in three days.  Again, if this is what you would desire, Nabiki," she holds up a finger.

	Nabiki considers that, then she turns away, taking several steps as her mind rolls through what Negako just said, then she gazes intently at the latter.  "So what's your price if I agree to let you do that?"

	Negako's lips lightly, VERY lightly, curl into a smile.  "You are cautious.  An admirable trait in anyone, Nabiki.  That is good."  Closing her eyes for a second, she then moves to stand beside the middle Tendou daughter.  "Nabiki, you love your family very much, do you not?"

	"Yes," Nabiki nods, blinking.  Where was she going with this?

	"Then you must now realize that if Akane is allowed to continue your branch of Musabetsu Kakutou-ryuu, your family's legacy could easily be lost IF Akane does not learn how to properly curb her temper, plus dedicate herself more fully into studying the Art than she does now.  Correct?"

	A pause, then, "Yes," Nabiki nods.

	"And given your considerable skills in business, plus your prior knowledge in your family's branch of Musabetsu Kakutou-ryuu (which can be easily augmented once your body is healed properly), what do you think your chances of allowing the Tendou dojo to expand would be in the long term?"

	Nabiki blinks, then slowly nods.  "I'd say pretty good."

	"Would you want to do that?"

	"I..." a pause, then, "It depends."  Taking a deep breath, Nabiki turns away.  "If you'd come three, four years ago offering what you have, I'd would've jumped at the chance to carry on with the Art.  You're right.  Akane was the one who hurt me.  Everyone from Toofuu-sensei on down said it was an innocent training accident, but seeing how Akane acted afterward, I think deep down, she didn't mind my turning away from the Art..."

	"Deep down, she loathed you for your better skill and self-control," Negako cuts in.  "Indeed, if you had trained as long and as intensely as Ranma, you would be her equal in every way.  Akane did not how good you were, so (deep inside her), she felt it was alright to cast aside safety considering training in your dojo.  Your injuries were the result of that."

	Nabiki scowls.  "I suspected that."  She stares at Negako.  "Look, I'd be the first to agree that Akane's always been a spoiled princess at heart, but I do care for her none the less.  I can forgive her what she did years ago.  Hell, she was only twelve then.  She didn't fully comprehend what she did.  Yeah, I would want you to help get my body back into shape again, now that I understand what you are and I've got an idea about what you're capable of doing.  But I don't want to turn this into the first step that'd end up breaking apart my family, okay?!"

	Negako sighs, an eyebrow arching.  "Perhaps the threat of that is what might be needed to preserve your family, Nabiki.  Do you doubt your abilities in that regard?  Do you doubt Kasumi's, for that matter?"

	The middle Tendou daughter blinks, then smirks.  "You are a strange one, Negako-san.  What are you really after in the end?  Is it Ranma?"

	"In a way."

	"What way?"

	"I cannot reveal that to you at this time."

	"Why?"

	Negako blinks, then crosses her arms.  "You lack much knowledge in areas of which I am expert, so I will tell you this.  There are greater powers at play here right now, Nabiki.  If you believe Saffron was powerful, he is NOTHING compared to what is soon to enter both Ranma's AND Ataru's life.  Here, Nabiki, you must exercise a considerable amount of caution.  Here, your curiosity, your thirst for information, will have to be disciplined to a level you've never practised before.  One mis-spoken word would spell disaster for many.  It could easily destroy those you care very much for.  Do you desire that in the long term, Nabiki?"

	Nabiki blinks, sensing an Arctic chill race up her spine.  The flat, unemotional way Negako spoke just added to what she now felt.  "I assume, because you are almost a thousand years old..." her voice suddenly dries up, "...that you are speaking from considerable experience in that regard."

	"I am."

	"I see.  Alright, I'll keep quiet for now.  But I do want to know what's going on one of these days.  And yes, I would welcome your help in getting me back in gear.  What do you want me to do in return, Negako-san?"

	"You may feel free to reveal who injured Akane to your family and Ranma's parents," Negako announces.  "But tell them EVERYTHING.  I'm sure you know many ways to do just that, don't you?" an eyebrow arches.

	"I do."

	"Splendid," Negako's light smile suddenly returns.  "Also, feel free to tell them that since Genma's incompetence as a martial arts instructor has led to the majority of Ranma's problems, I will be speaking to Happy, as is my right as grandmistress of Saikoo Jinseijitsu-ryuu, about taking over as Ranma's primary instructor.  And should Happy agree to my request (as I believe he will), Genma will have to personally fight ME to try to win that back.  I assure you, he will not win against me.  And should he try to perform any underhanded manoeuvres..."

	"You'll kill him, right?" Nabiki smirks.

	"No, I will do much worse.  I will see to it that every illicit act Genma has performed since Ranma's birth will be brought to the attention of the police.  Given the thievery ALONE he's performed, he'll most likely be on the run for the rest of his life, unable to seek shelter ANYWHERE in Japan.  And since I, as a responsible teacher, will endeavour to ensure Ranma remains forever free of such unhealthy influence, Genma will not be able to..." a pause as Negako seeks the right wording, "...slouch off the consequences of his avarice on his child."

	"Cruel," Nabiki purrs.  Damn, she LIKED this girl/woman/whatever!  "I'll do that, Negako-san.  I'll be back sometime later today or tomorrow."

	She bows, then heads off.  Negako watches her go, then walks back to the doorway leading into the Moroboshi home.  "You heard everything?"

	"Yeah," Ranma steps out of shadow, then sighs, shrugging.  "I still can't bring myself to trust her, Negako.  She needs a few strong lessons taught to her about playing volleyball with other people's lives."

	"They will come," Negako assures her.  "In the meantime, you best prepare.  The last ferry to Promised Island leaves at eight."

	"Yeah, yeah," Ranma sighs, turning back towards her guest room, then she looks once more at Negako.  "Hey, Negako, what the heck's supposedly on this island that's got Ataru all so excited, anyway?"

	"Family," Negako replies...

*    *    *

	Tomobiki, the (old) Moroboshi home...

	"What're we doing here anyway?" Ryuunosuke wonders as she and Shinobu stand by the gate leading to the two-floor woodframe that Ataru called home until six weeks ago.  "Shinobu, Moroboshi don't live here anymore, remember?"

	"Hai, that's true, but someone has to get the message to him about his parents being two of the people who died yesterday," Shinobu waves her friend up to the door.  A glance through the curtained living room windows reveals lights on and people inside.  "Maybe whoever's here can help."

	She rings the bell.  The door opens a moment later to reveal a tall, Western man with glasses.  His eyes widen surprisedly on seeing who stands there, then narrow distastefully.  "Hai, Miyaki-san, can I help you?"

	"Er...!  Oh, forgive me, I'm sorry," Shinobu flusters, then her eyes widen with recognition.  "You're that man who talked to the reporters...!"

	"Reigi Yumoa," the man draws out a business card, handing it to Shinobu.  With the way he now acted, Ataru's former girlfriend muses, the man didn't think highly of her.  "Again, what brings you about these parts?  From what I've heard, after you got together with that Inaba creature some months ago, you wouldn't've wanted anything to do with Ataru-kun ever again."

	Shinobu jolts, staring wide-eyed at the older man.  "That's not true!!!" she blurts.  "Ataru-kun's my friend!!  Who told you that lie?!!"

	"Ataru-kun told me himself, Miyaki-san.  To quote, 'The less I see of ANY of those back-stabbing, selfish bastards in Tomobiki anytime in the future, the BETTER!'"  A pause, then Reigi adds, "By the way, Miyaki-san, after he left here, Ataru-kun took time to BURN his yearbooks, photo albums and everything else that could remind him of what he'd been through living in this hellhole with Muchi and Kinshou.  I'm sure he has NO pictures or anything else remaining, which is a good thing if you ask me.  It'll give him a totally fresh start where he lives now."

	Shinobu blinks, blinks again, then feels her body quake as tears well up in her eyes.  "I..." she begins, feeling herself choke up, then she gently clasps her hands before her.  "I..." she tries again, then stares pleadingly at Reigi.  "Could you tell me where he lives now, Yumoa-san?"

	"I could," he looks away.  "But I won't.  Ataru-kun was quite adamant about that.  He wants no contact with any of you.  Ever.  Again."

	Shinobu's hands start to quake as tears flow down her cheeks, then she bows low.  "Please excuse me for bothering you, Yumoa-san."

	Turning, she moves to run away, but is halted by, "Shinobu-san?"

	She turns back.  "Hai?"

	"Do you understand what the concept of child abuse is?"

	Shinobu blinks, stares quizzically at Ryuunosuke, then turns back to Reigi.  "I don't understand, Yumoa-san..." she begins.

	"Alright," Reigi sighs.  "How many times, when you were close to her, did you hear Kinshou say 'I wish I never had him' concerning Ataru-kun?"

	"I..." Shinobu blinks.

	Reigi waits for an answer, then sighs.  "I see.  Ataru-kun was right.  You didn't CARE about what happened to him, did you?  Well, fine.  Now you know why he no longer wants anything to do with you, Miyaki-san."  He points to Ryuunosuke.  "Fujinami-san there can tell you reams about what PHYSICAL child abuse is like.  But few in this society of ours realize that in many cases, EMOTIONAL child abuse can hurt much worse.  But then again, would you, even after hearing that, really care about what Ataru-kun's been through?  I don't think so.  Now, I will ask you to leave and not bother me again about him, Miyaki-san.  Stay away from him from now on; you and those slimebags you go to school with have hurt him enough."

	The door slams shut before Shinobu could reply.  Staring at the house, a shudder races through her, then she staggers.  Ryuunosuke catches her, guiding Shinobu away from the Moroboshi home as sobs steal the latter's voice.  Before Shinobu could collapse, her friend picks her up, then carries her away, whispering a reassuring "It'll be okay, Shinobu.  It'll be okay!" as she goes.

	Minutes later, they arrive at the Miyaki home.  Ryuunosuke presses the doorbell, then breathes out as it opens, revealing Toshoba Miyaki.  "Ryuu-chan, what...?!" his voice fails as Ryuunosuke carries his weeping child to the sofa.  "Ryuu-chan, what the hell happened?!" he demands.

	Kimiki runs in from the kitchen, then on seeing Shinobu, races to comfort as Ryuunosuke guides Toshoba aside to brief him on what happened...

*    *    *

	Nerima, the Tendou dojo, before supper...

	"WHAT?!?!?!"

	Nodoka and Kasumi sit across from Nabiki in the living room.  Akane was now in stable condition (though still unconscious).  Souun insisted on staying at her side, though, because of his crying fits, Genma had to remain at his side in some vain hope of keeping his old friend stable.  To Nabiki, that was fine and fair enough.  She needed the "two idiots" (and Akane, though Ranma did much to ensure that!) to stay well and away from the dojo while she was dropping some big bombs on everyone else.  "My son...?!" Nodoka gapes.  "HE hit Akane?!!"

	"He was MADE to hit Akane, Auntie Saotome," Nabiki repeats.

	That doesn't do enough to calm her down.  "By WHO?!!" she shrills.

	Nabiki sighs.  She HOPED Nodoka might be calm enough to take this.  Oh, well, press on ahead...!  "Negako Moroboshi."

	"Why?!" Kasumi cuts in, placing a hand on Nodoka's to help calm her.

	"Brain damage."

	Silence.

	"My son...?!" Nodoka gapes, nearly choking on her words.

	"Yeah," Nabiki sighs.  "Now, here's the story..."

	It takes five minutes.  Nabiki doesn't reveal Negako's origins; that wasn't relevant.  But unfortunately, those words aren't enough to turn Nodoka away from believing that a very big mistake has been made.  "I..." she sighs.  "Much that I appreciate Moroboshi-sensei's concern for my son, I can't accept a situation where Ranma is made to deliberately attack his own fiancee like that, Nabiki-chan.  It is wrong!  I demand to see this woman immediately to have this stopped..."

	"I'm afraid that's impossible," Nabiki shakes her head.

	"Why not?!"

	"Because with the way this's been rigged, EVERYONE who has threatened Ranma in ANY way, shape or form, even verbally, is seen as a threat and will be dealt with accordingly," Nabiki sighs, then points to the wrapped katana in Nodoka's arms.  "If you march into Negako-san's house carrying THAT around, I can guarantee that not only will Ranma-kun see YOU as a threat, Auntie Saotome, he'd gladly renounce you once and for all."

	Hearing that, Nodoka nearly keels over.  "N-no...!  H-he wouldn't..."

	"He would," Nabiki puts on her sternest face as she prepares to unleash the most powerful and effective weapon in her arsenal.  The truth.  "Auntie Saotome, I've got a confession to make.  And believe me, it's got a lot to do with what's going down now with Ranma-kun.  Ever since he came here..."

	It all comes pouring out.  The wire-tapping, the bribery, the photographs, everything.  Kasumi stares wide-eyed at Nabiki, stunned that her younger sister was willing to admit all THIS to Nodoka.  A glance at Ranma's mother reveals a stern look, though a flash of sympathy beckons deep within Nodoka's eyes.  Seeing that, the elder Tendou daughter senses a burst of hope deep inside her heart.  If Nodoka was willing to at least understand Nabiki's actions, then maybe there was hope for her to put things between herself and Ranma on a more even keel.  A glance at Nabiki shows tears streaming down her cheeks.  Kasumi moves immediately to comfort, but is waved off by her sister.  With that, Kasumi takes a neutral position between her sister and Ranma's mother.

	Nodoka sighs, staring at Nabiki.  "In doing all that, Nabiki-chan, did you always serve to keep your family alive and well?"

	A deep sigh.  "I felt I had no choice, Auntie Saotome."

	"I see," Nodoka nods, then sighs herself.  "Given the situation with the death of your mother and your father's emotional breakdown, I can..." a pause, "...understand your actions, Nabiki-chan.  But I cannot forgive you.  Nor will I force my son to forgive you.  The decision must be his."

	"I understand," Nabiki nods, wiping her eyes.

	"Why did you tell me that, anyway?"

	Nabiki takes a breath, then stares at Nodoka.  "I've been out of practice when it comes to the Art since an *accident,*" -- Nodoka is quick to sense the sarcasm -- "...five years ago.  Even if I didn't know about Ranma-kun's rule about not hitting girls, I'd be CRAZY to take him on.  I've never physically lashed out at him, ma'am, not like Akane's done.  But today, when I saw him, when he told me to go to Hell and I tried to make up to him..." a shudder races through her.  "I came within a hair's breadth of joining Akane in intensive care."

	Kasumi gasps.  "Oh, my!!"

	"Oh, dear," Nodoka blanches.

	"Yeah," Nabiki bites her lip.  "Look, if you want to go talk to Negako-san and all that, fine.  I can take you there.  But if Ranma-kun's there and if he sees you carrying THAT..." she points to the wrapped bundle in the older woman's arms, "...you better ask yourself what might happen?"

	"But...!" Nodoka pales before waving to herself.  "I'm his MOTHER!!!"

	"Who was absent from Ranma-kun's life for over a decade, Auntie."

	Eyes turn to Kasumi.  "Kasumi-chan..." Nodoka gasps.

	"Forgive me, please," the older Tendou daughter sighs.  "I know deep in my heart that you really mean well for Ranma-kun, Auntie Saotome.  But you cannot deny this anymore.  You're a near STRANGER to your own SON!  Even if it wasn't your fault (and I know it wasn't), Ranma-kun probably felt deep in his heart that you ABANDONED him to your husband's ABOMINABLE training!"  Seeing Nodoka blanch, Kasumi sighs.  "I'm sorry, but you cannot run away from this now, Auntie.  Now, skip ahead to some months ago, when Ranma-kun has come to believe you are most likely dead.  Suddenly, you reappear.  But you drag your sword and that STUPID agreement into it, scaring your CHILD into believing you'd KILL him because of a curse his FATHER's idiocy forced on him!  And now, even if you've already judged in Ranma-kun's favour, you still harass him to ensure he remains 'manly'...!"

	"I HAVE to, Kasumi!!" Nodoka snaps.

	"So when you decide to go visit Ranma-kun at the Moroboshi place, I suggest you have your papers in order first."

	"Nabiki!!!" Kasumi cries out, wide-eyed at her sister's bluntness.

	"Forget it, Onee-chan," Nabiki rises.  "If she can't hack the damned truth about what her son feels, she better be ready to take her lumps like Akane did."  She heads to the stairs, then looks at Nodoka.  "Way I see it, Auntie, is this:  you either accept that Ranma-kun's got his own ideas about what he wants OR you better be ready for him to walk away from you and that 'husband' of yours FOREVER!  And thanks to your 'husband' and his stomach, Ranma-kun's got loads of HONOURABLE reasons to walk away not just from both of you, but from my family, too."

	She heads upstairs.  Nodoka watches her go, stunned, then she feels Kasumi's hand grasp hers.  A burst of anger makes her yank her hand away from that comforting grip, then Nodoka lowers her eyes.  "I'm sorry..."

	"No, I should apologize.  Nabiki-chan can be very blunt when she gets in the mood," Kasumi shakes her head.  "I suspect, deep down in her heart, like Akane-chan does, Nabiki-chan has a special place for your son.  No doubt, when Ranma-kun upbraided her today, it hurt Nabiki-chan very much."

	Nodoka blinks, then she stares at her host.  "Kasumi-chan, are you trying to say that Akane-chan has abused my son as well?"

	Silence, then Kasumi nods, bowing her head ashamedly.  "Far more so than you might believe, I'm afraid to say, Auntie.  And hearing about what Nabiki-chan learned from Negako-san, I must confess that perhaps it was time that something was done about Akane-chan's temper.  You see, when they first met..."

*    *    *

	Twenty minutes later, Nodoka rises up the stairs, stopping before Nabiki's door.  She knocks, then sighs.  "Who is it?" Nabiki calls out.

	"It's me, Nabiki-chan.  May I speak to you?" Nodoka asks.

	A moment later, the door opens.  Nabiki looks out, then blinks on seeing Nodoka's head bowed to her.  "Auntie...?"

	"It appears, my dear, you are indeed in the right about many things," Nodoka straightens, revealing a face dampened by tears.  "Kasumi-chan told me about what happened five years ago between you and your sister."

	"I..." Nabiki blinks, then clicks her tongue amusedly.  "Well, this is the night of apologies, ain't it?  Look, I didn't mean to sound so insensitive down there.  You got your way of looking at things.  So do I, but I've gotta be more practical about it these days.  I..." she pauses.

	"Hope that I would acknowledge that my son has his own views, too?"

	"Yeah," Nabiki nods, then sighs.  "Well, look.  If you want to try to talk to Negako-san and Ranma-kun tonight, I can take you over there."

	"I...!  Hai, I would appreciate that," Nodoka nods...

*    *    *

	Some minutes later, two women appear at the front gate of the shrine now serving as home for Ataru and Negako Moroboshi.  Nabiki opens the gate to look in, then jolts on seeing Negako standing calmly by the front door.  "I see you've decided on some other matters as well, Nabiki.  Come in."

	Nabiki walks inside, waving Nodoka with her.  On taking a first look at the grandmistress of Saikoo Jinseijitsu-ryuu, disbelief roars up Nodoka's spine.  *She CAN'T be something like THAT!!  She's only TWENTY!!!* echoes through her mind as she follows Nabiki to the front door, then on slipping off her shoes, relaxes in the sitting room.  A glance around earns the old shrine a nod.  "This is a nice house you possess here, Moroboshi-sensei."

	Negako, on her way to the kitchen, stops.  "Nodoka, there is one rule I insist that all who associate with me follow," she stares at Ranma's mother, causing the older woman to wilt from that look.  "I have NO USE for honorifics whatsoever, especially the term 'sensei.'  If you insist, I will tolerate 'san,' but that is it.  Do not expect me to reciprocate.  I have no use nor any patience whatsoever for useless gestures of respect."

	Nodoka is stunned.  "But, wh-why...?"

	"Because, in the eyes of That Force from which we all emerge at birth and will return to on our death, we are all in the end the same," Negako explains.  "In the face of That, such stratification is needless.  Further, as history has shown, the division between 'haves' and 'have-nots' creates a level of friction which has led to things like crime and war.  Why propagate something which, in the long run, does more harm than good?"

	Not waiting for an answer, she heads into the kitchen.  Nodoka watches her, then turns to Nabiki.  "She is strong in her beliefs."

	"Being what I've heard she actually is, she's pretty much got a right to believe that, Auntie," Nabiki shrugs.

	They sit down on two floor mats beside the coffee table.  "Ataru has taken Ranma to visit Ataru's half-sisters on Promised Island," Negako emerges a moment later with a tea tray.  "Ataru is expert in carrying out initial repairs required to your child's nervous system, Nodoka.  But given that elements in Ranma's life would clearly not desire him to have full use of his mental facilities, I believe it was best to remove him from their presence while the repairs begin," she sits, then serves.  "This is the blend Ranma is using, Nabiki," she hands a cup over.

	"Er, thanks...!  Hey!!" Nabiki blinks as Negako taps her throat.

	"Ranma found the taste a little repulsive," Negako explains.

	"Oh!"

	Nodoka watches Nabiki drink, then nods thanks as their host gives her a cup.  "You are very direct in your dealings with others, Negako-san."

	"I have explained why.  Also, I've had little 'positive' experience in dealing with other people throughout my life," Negako sits back.  "Some might say it has jaundiced me when it comes to dealing with others.  I disagree.  People cloak themselves needlessly for some of the most curious reasons.  Pride, insecurity, selfishness, hatred, the desire to be seen as the most important person in the group...!  Feh!  Meaningless in the end."

	"You are a Taoist, then?"

	"Yes, I could be described as that.  The basic foundations of my family's Art is centred on Taoist theory.  It is a belief that eliminates the illusions and the falsehoods those who seek that valueless chalice called 'power' blind themselves with, not to mention those who are the victims of the power-seekers themselves."  A pause, then, "Honour, in the eyes of my family, is a concept that demands truth first and foremost.  Throughout the years, my family has learned that Bushido does not facilitate such truth.  Hence, our Art is the art of the ninja, not the samurai.  Light blinds people, Nodoka, especially if the light is shined directly into a person's eyes.  Granted, there have been those samurai and other such 'gentry' throughout history who have lived very exemplary lives.  But, as you can easily guess, they are VERY few and far between."

	"You reject our history?" Nodoka's eyebrow arches.

	"No, my brother and I reject those who glorify the wrong lessons that history teaches," Negako smiles.  "We also do not allow the 'glory' that history presents us to blind us from the truth, like so many others seek to blind the new generation in school and elsewhere.  I believe the reason my brother and your child have become friends is that Ranma has come to share many of Ataru's attitudes towards society, Nodoka.  They have both led emotionally harsh lives.  They have been raised to believe certain things, follow certain codes, then have come to realize those beliefs are all based on lies perpetuated by those they once trusted implicity."

	Nodoka winces.  Nabiki grimaces.  Negako clearly did not believe in pulling her punches.  "For example," the ninjitsu grandmistress sighs.  "You charged your husband ten years ago to raise Ranma to be a 'man above men.'  What exactly IS your definition of a 'man above men,' Nodoka?"

	"I..." Nodoka feels herself wilt more as Negako's dark eyes bore into her, then she sighs, squaring her shoulders.  "I believe a man above men is someone who holds honour and duty to his family above all else."

	"Very well.  What is honour, then?"

	"I..."

	Silence.  Negako stares expectantly at Nodoka, then sighs.  "Would you agree that my definition of honour would suffice, Nodoka?" she asks.

	"I..." Nodoka blinks, then nods.  "Yes, Negako-san, I would."

	"Very well, then.  You judged, shortly after discovering what was going on with Ranma and 'Ranko Tendou,' that Ranma was 'manly' and therefore, the promise Genma made to you ten years ago was fulfilled.  But I must now tell you that you have been LIED to by your husband about many things, which might force you to drastically reconsider your relationship with Genma.  I noticed, Nabiki, that you nor your family has ever informed Nodoka of Ranma's Neko-ken training."

	Nabiki pales.  "Well..."

	"'Cat Fist?!'" Nodoka blinks.

	"Permit me to explain," Negako sighs.

	A few minutes later, a shrieking "***HE DID WHAT?!?!?!***" echoes through the streets of Nerima, causing many people to instinctively duck...

*    *    *

	"AH-CHOO!!!!"

	Genma moans as he rubs his nose, then stares at Souun, now dozing beside Akane's bed.  Both Tendous were asleep.  *Someone's thinking about me,* the Saotome patriarch grimaces as he returns to his chair...

*    *    *

	Nodoka is sheet-white.  "My son...?!"

	"Quite correct," Negako places her tea cup down.  Nabiki was still trying to recover from the sonic boom that echoed Nodoka's scream.  "Atop making the repairs to those elements of Ranma's mind affected because of his 'relationship' with Akane, I have also decided the time has come that the neurological damage Ranma took when he underwent the Neko-ken training will ALSO be repaired.  Since this damage is older and far more deeply set within Ranma's psyche, the repair time will take a full month.  Of course, such repairs to the mind cannot take full effect if everyone bearing a grudge against Ranma attacks him.  Hence, the special precautions I took which today resulted in Akane's hospitalization."

	"I..." Nodoka feels her throat contract, then she breathes out.  "I see!" she pats her heart, then senses her fist tremble as the image of a very young Ranma facing a pit of starving cats races through her mind.

	"There's something else you have to know," Nabiki adds.

	"Being?!" Nodoka stares at the middle Tendou daughter.

	"A stunt Genma pulled on Ranma-kun even BEFORE they took off on that trip," Nabiki sighs, then stares at Negako.  "You want to tell her?"

	"As you wish," Negako's smile widens.

	A minute later, another horrified shriek echoes through Nerima...

*    *    *

	And again...

	"AH-CHOO!!!!"

*    *    *

	"***HE DID THAT TO MY SON?!?!?!***"

	"Yes," Negako sips her tea.  "Happy is aware of what happened, Nodoka.  We have already discussed the possibility of my taking over Ranma's basic training from Genma because of that.  Simply put, the direction of Ranma's training leads away from the basic tenets of your family's Art.  Musabetsu Kakutou-ryuu demands that its practitioners become as self-sufficient as possible.  Genma clearly did not desire Ranma to be that way.  You may understand why, Nodoka.  Genma is even lazier than Akane.  Now, what would you desire?  A child that cannot truly think on his own, cannot conceive of ANY life beyond the martial arts, thus perhaps forever living in a sea of uncontrolled chaos?  Or a child who can think on his own, learn and understand what the consequences of his actions are, appreciate there are other things in this life than martial arts?"

	Nodoka shudders, now totally unsure as to what to say.  "I believe," Negako carries on, "...that what Ranma SHOULD strive to become is not a 'man above men,' but a 'gentle man.'  As my family would define such a term, a gentle man is one who is, in the end, as much master of his destiny AND respectful of other people's destinies, as Fate will allow.  You and I, Nodoka, will agree that there are certain matters that are beyond anyone's control in the end.  Would THAT be more to your satisfaction?"

	Ranma's mother blinks as she considers Negako's words, then she nods.  "Yes, I think that would be desirable.  Certainly, my son could do with a lot less violence haunting his life.  After seeing what I have seen since we properly reunited, not to mention what Kasumi-chan, Nabiki-chan and you yourself have told me, my son deserves a chance to learn how to live his own life.  And..." she rises, gently gripping her katana, "...for that to begin, there is something I must now do.  Thank you for the tea and what you've told me, Negako-san.  It was delightful and informative.  Nabiki-chan, I'll see you back at the dojo."

	Bowing, she departs.  Nabiki watches her go, then stares at Negako.  "What's she going to do?" her eyebrow arches.

	"Pop a few bubbles, as my brother would say it," Negako smirks...

*    *    *

	Nerima General Hospital, twenty minutes later...

	"Husband."

	Genma jolts, then spins around to see Nodoka glaring at him.  He had stepped out of Akane's room to let her and Souun get some sleep, heading to a waiting room.  "Nodoka!  What are you doing...?!  URK!!!" he yelps as the tip of her katana touches the flesh under her jaw.  "N-n-n-Nodoka...!"

	"Husband, you will inform Souun-kun when he awakes of this:  as of now, there is NO engagement between our son and Akane Tendou," Nodoka growls.  "I've been told by Kasumi and Nabiki about Akane's excesses when it came to Ranma.  I've also been told about elements of Ranma's training you haven't seen fit to tell me about.  The Neko-ken, for example?!"

	Genma gags.  "N-n-n-Nodoka...!  Y-y-you don't u-u-understand...!!"

	"Oh, I've ALSO been informed of what you did with our son BEFORE you took him on that trip!!  About RETARDING our son to the point where he will not be able to take interest in ANYTHING beyond the martial arts?!!"

	"But, that was to e-ensure he would r-remain devoted to the A-Art!"

	"At the expense of his happiness?!  At the expense of trying to enjoy a normal life, have friends and a relationship of equals?!" Nodoka snarls, then sighs.  "Very well, then!  If you are so narrow-minded that you cannot think of anything but yourself, I will speak to the Master about having Moroboshi-sensei take over our -- MY -- son's training!!  You have lost ALL rights to consider yourself Ranma's sensei, Genma!  And if you so much as THINK of doing something to sabotage my child's life further, remember that I can still hold that oath of seppuku over YOU if I feel it necessary!!  And this time, you will NOT be able to weasel your way out of THAT, Genma!"

	She withdraws her blade, then marches away, causing Genma to collapse to his knees.  Nodoka then stops, glancing over her shoulder.  "Oh, Genma, do make sure you make this clear to Akane:  If she continues to believe she can abuse my child, I will see her placed in a juvenile home.  Maybe THAT will teach her how to control herself since her father has pretty much FAILED to properly raise his daughters since her mother's death!"

	With that, Nodoka leaves.  Genma stammers incoherently as she goes...

*    *    *

To be continued...

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