Minna-sama,

First of all, to those who've made comments on this
fic (even the critical ones), I thank you very much.

There will be a prologue to this fic written sometime
in the VERY near future.  When it's ready, it'll be
posted here.  The Prologue will also contain the
writer's notes for this series, including the
translation of the Korean song Ataru sang in Part 1.

For those who might find what happened in Part 1 and 2
offensive or disturbing, please understand that I
personally hold no grudge or prejudice against those
who worship Islam.  The "why" to that event will be
explained both in the Prologue and in future parts.

Incomplete versions of the various parts to this story
will be posted at the Fanfiction.net website, under
the "Crossovers" section, in the "Anime Crossovers"
listing.  My call-sign at FF.net is "Gorgo" if you
decide to do an author search.  I will only post
completed versions of parts at the FFML to save up on
people's mailbox space.

Further, since people are going to die in this story,
it will be listed as a "dark" story when I finally
decide to post this to r.a.a.c.

Enjoy!

Fred



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

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-- Attached file included as plaintext by Listar --
-- File: LoneS-03.txt
-- Desc: LoneS-03.txt

	The Sagami Sea, south-west of Tokyo, evening...

	One small part of the Izu Islands chain, streaming south from Tokyo Bay towards Guam, is a five-kilometre wide volcanic islet shaped like a snowless Mount Fuji.  Standing at the apex of the mountain is a curious statue, a grinning humanoid figure looking as if he is dancing the hula.

	Now approaching the island aboard a ferry boat originating in Atami are two people carrying backpacks.  "So this is Promised Island, eh?" Ranma sighs as the pilot guides the boat towards the lone dock at the foot of the main street leading to the mountaintop.  "Peaceful place, ain't it?"

	"It is that," Ataru nods.  "Spent the first five weeks after leaving Tomobiki here.  Couldn't find a nicer place to get away from it all."

	"Can I ask you something?"

	"What?"

	"How come Muchi..." -- Ranma knew not to address Ataru's parents by "mom" and "dad" around him -- "...came here in the first place anyway?  I mean, you said Sakuya, Chikage and Haruka are your age almost.  That means he probably got their moms pregnant around the same time as your mom."

	"Oh, it's a stupid story," Ataru shakes his head.  "Y'see, Grandma owned this whole island back then, renting lots out to whomever wanted to live here.  She made damn sure that all the girls' mothers were single and available.  Sort of a way to make Muchi dump Kinshou and go somewhere else.  And this was AFTER Kinshou'd given birth to Nokoko-oneesan!  So by the time news came that Kinshou was pregnant with me and Kaeru, it was too late; Sakuya's, Chikage's and Haruka's mothers were pregnant, too.  But from what Negako-neechan told me, Muchi never found out about his other daughters."

	"NONE of them?!"

	"Nope.  Then you had the whole stink with Kaeru dying and his body going missing.  Kinshou..." Ataru pauses, his teeth biting into his lip as a flash of guilt surges through him.  "She just went strange.  I suppose I can't blame her for that.  But THEN, she decided to force Komeru-jichan to raise Nokoko-oneesan while I was kept with her and Muchi.  And, along the way, Muchi took ANOTHER couple of vacations on the island over the next few years.  And got the other girls' moms pregnant along the way!"

	"Shit!" Ranma winces.  "Man, I dunno who was the worse asshole in your family, Ataru.  Kinshou for taking Nokoko-san away from you or Muchi for two-timing her TWELVE times over, then abandoning those girls!  Did your grandma ever find out about them before she died, Ataru?!"

	The ferry glides into the dock, handlers moving to tie the small boat down as Ataru and Ranma prepare to disembark.  "She did about a year before she died.  That was a good thing, 'cause in her eyes, she could turn the helm of the clan over to Sakuya-chan and Chikage-chan and let them handle Lum.  But then, according to Negako-neechan, Grandma wondered what might've happened if Kinshou got wind about what Muchi'd been doing on the side."  A pause, then as the gangway is lowered, the pilot announcing that passengers can disembark, he adds, "I guess Grandma was afraid about Kinshou tricking Lum into getting someone to kill off my sisters here on the island.  I mean, Chikage, being a sorceress and that, could defend herself really easy.  But what about the others, like Hina and Aria?  Or something like that," he throws up his hands as they step onto the dock, heading to the out gate.  "Grandma wasn't really thinking straight at the end."

	"Poor woman," Ranma shakes her head, then perks as several squeals of delight distract her to a small crowd past the gates.  "Wha...?!"

	"Aniki!!"

	"Onii-chama!!"

	"Anii!!"

	"Onii-sama!!"

	Ataru passes through the gates, his grin wide as four typhoons of pure, lovable, teenage energy slam into him, swamping him with hugs, happy tears and kisses.  "Hiya, girls!!!  How're my favourite little sisters?!"

	"Oh, Onii-sama, we're ALL your favourite sisters!" the brown-haired teenager with the long, Usagi-like ponytails (sans odangos) gushes, giving Ataru another warm hug, then her eyes fall on Ranma.  "Who...?!"

	"Oh, you must be Ranma-aneki!" a younger girl with goggles atop her head of short, auburn hair beams, walking over to give Ranma an embrace.  "Hi!  I'm Rinrin.  Negako-aneki told us Aniki was bringing you to visit for a few days!"  She waves to the others.  "The barnacle-with-legs now holdin' onto Aniki's Sakuya; she's the big sister of the lot.  This is Kaho," she waves to a petite, slender girl with sandy hair and a hairband, "...and the health-nut's Mamoru," she indicates a chestnut-haired girl dressed in a rollerblader's spandex exercise suit.  "Welcome to Paradise Island."

	"Who're you calling a 'barnacle,' Miss Computer-Brain?!" Sakuya sends a stare of death right at Rinrin.

	"You're the one who's got a 'Anii Complex,' Sakuya," Mamoru snorts.

	Sakuya flushes indignantly.  "EXCUSE ME?!!"

	"GIRLS!!!!"

	The girls wince, staring at Ataru.  Sighing, he gently forces Sakuya away, then stares at Rinrin and Mamoru.  "Look, I didn't come to the island to hear you sniping at each other just to get my attention, okay?!" he announces.  "I came here to help Ranma here get a break from the loons she has to deal with in Nerima.  I could use your help on that end, but hey!" he waves his hand in surrender.  "If you want to keep on yellin' at each other like that, it's okay by me.  We can just go elsewhere, that's all!"

	"Ataru!!!" Ranma snaps, glaring at him.  Geez, if these girls were his SISTERS, why was he being such a prick about that?!

	"No, no, Onee-sama, it's alright!" Sakuya shakes her head, moving to place a peaceful hand on Ranma's shoulder.  "It's only been six weeks since we all found out about our relations to each other.  It took us by surprise when Negako-oneesama came to tell us we were all half-sisters and that we had another half-sister and a half-brother out there waiting for us.  I..." she glares at Rinrin.  "There are times, Onee-sama, these girls drive me up the wall and that, but it doesn't mean that I don't love them any less."

	"Yeah, we always razz each other!" Mamoru then pats Ranma's other shoulder.  "C'mon, Anee.  We got your room at Welcome House all set up and ready.  You probably want something to eat.  Lucky thing Shirayuki's been going all out to get a feast ready for Anii, so you can have some, too!"

	"Hey, I'm always ready for food!" Ranma licks her lips.

	The others laugh...

*    *    *

"Lonely Souls"
by Fred Herriot <fherriot@yahoo.com>
**** **** ****
"Ashokan Farewell," music by Jay Ungar, lyrics by Brian McGregor.  The arrangement of the words depicted here is my interpretation, following the version of the song as recorded on Track 3 of the "The Civil War" CD, produced by Ken Burns and John Colby, produced by Electra Nonesuch.
**** **** ****
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 Prologue.

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

THE THIRD PART - FAMILY

	Nerima, U-chan's, the next morning...

	"SAY WHAT?!?!"

	"True!" Nabiki sits at the counter as Ukyou prepares her favoured vegetable-and-ramen okonomiyaki.  "All the times Akane hit Ranma-kun with that mallet of hers, his brain was being wrecked along the way.  Right now, it's almost to the point where Negako-san might not be able to fix it all up, so that's why Ranma-kun's got to stay in 'isolation,' so to speak."

	"And that got Akane in the hospital with a broken arm, right?"

	"Right."

	Ukyou stares at the middle Tendou daughter.  "You don't seem too ticked off about Akane getting hurt there, Nabiki, especially if Ran-chan was even remotely responsible for it happening.  I always thought you'd bend yourself over backwards to keep your family safe and all that."

	"I do.  But..." Nabiki shrugs.  "I guess I'm just tired to seeing everyone in the house bow to Akane's wishes like that, even if she keeps on saying she doesn't care for Ranma-kun or the engagement.  I got my life to live, too.  I got my dreams as well.  But as far as Daddy's concerned, it's all got to be put on hold until this mess with Akane's straightened out."  A pause, then, "Well, I guess it's been straightened out at last."

	"What do you mean?" Ukyou tenses.

	"Last night, Ranma-kun's mom got the whole dump about all the crap Genma put him through on the training trip, plus what Akane's been doing to him since he came to stay with us," Nabiki smirks.  "The Neko-ken, even that crap about Genma hurting Ranma-kun before the trip even started to keep him locked on martial arts.  Gods, I STILL can't believe that one!  I knew the panda was a selfish bastard..."

	"I've been saying that about the jackass since I came here!" Ukyou shudders indignantly, then she flips the hot cake onto Nabiki's plate.  "So what did Ran-chan's mom decide?  He gonna do hara-kiri or what?!"

	"You know about that?!"

	"Ran-chan told me.  Told me the day after his mom first visited him and you guys.  The whole works about the contract and the 'man above men' bullcrap, too.  Jeez, I couldn't believe it!  What type of mother would want to kill her kid for something like THAT?!"  She sighs, then moves to prepare an okonomiyaki so she could snack on it.  "So what happened?"

	"Well, you'll like hearing this, then.  As far as Auntie Saotome is concerned, the engagement between Ranma-kun and Akane is off.  For good."

	Silence.

	"Excuse me?" Ukyou's voice drops to a stunned whisper.

	"Truth," Nabiki crosses her arms.  "She told Kasumi-neechan and I this morning.  The panda and Daddy're still at the hospital with Akane, so I don't know what their reaction'll be.  Even more so, Auntie Saotome's now gonna ask Ojii-san to let Negako-san take over Ranma-kun's training."

	Ukyou blinks, then sits in her work chair as she considers that.  "Oh, man..." she breathes out, then moves to keep the new okonomiyaki from burning.  "I...!  Geez, what do you say to that, for cryin' out loud?"

	"You know, you still got a chance," Nabiki reminds her.  "Ranma-kun told me himself that if he decided to walk away from us, he'd have all the legal standing in the world because your dowry was taken by Genma."

	Ukyou considers that, then sighs.  "What about what Ran-chan said two days ago?" she stares at Nabiki.  "I..." she pauses, then turns back to the okonomiyaki on the stove.  Oh, yes, if Ranma was finally free of Akane, then Ukyou's chances at winning her "Ran-chan's" love had significantly improved, but still...!  "Hell, wouldn't you or Kasumi want him, Nabiki?"

	"I think the question has to be asked this way:  'Does he want either of us?'" Nabiki lightly shrugs.  "He let me have it yesterday after Akane got hurt.  I guess I can't blame him for that, not after all I've done to him.  And I know he doesn't look on Kasumi-neechan as anything more than a big sister.  And even if he DOES like Akane still, is he going to circle around his mom, especially if she says she did it to help protect him?  Hell, what ARE his feelings now?!  You know, for all the things I know about Ranma-kun, I don't know what he really thinks about all of you, all the crap that's dropped on his head since he came here.  As for what he said two days ago, hey, that was just after he and Ataru-kun dug up all those people from the wreck of Tomobiki High School."

	Ukyou blinks, then nods.  "Yeah, that's true, I guess..." her voice trails as the door opens.  "Irasshaimase!" she calls.  "What'll it be?!"

	"Beef and shrimp," a plain girl with dark hair cut short walks up to the counter, then smiles at Nabiki.  "Good morning to you, Nabiki-san."

	"Good morning to you, Chigaiko-san.  So you got your parents' permission and all that to come to school with us?" Nabiki nods.

	"Hai," Chigaiko shows Nabiki a folder from her carry-all bag.

	"You coming to Furinkan?" Ukyou wonders as Nabiki picks through the folder, she moving to prepare the newcomer's order.

	"Transferring from Tomobiki High," Chigaiko sits down, then nods as Nabiki hands the folder back.  "I decided after part of the dump went up in smoke I didn't want to have anything to do with the place anymore.  Not that I'd really have anything to do with it in the first place, that is."

	"What do you mean?" the chef wonders.

	"Chigaiko-san here is the only girl outside Lum and MAYBE Shinobu Miyaki who could say she liked Ataru-kun," Nabiki explains.  "Turns out that when she was going to Tomobiki, NO ONE outside Ataru-kun -- including the teachers, by the way! -- ever bothered to remember her NAME!!"

	Ukyou blanches.  "You gotta be kidding me!"

	"Truth, the whole truth and nothing but, Kuonji-san," Chigaiko sighs.  "It was either 'hey, you;' always scanning the student lists to remind them; or if I was in basketball practice, they'd call me 'Yon-san.'  I had number 'four.'  I swear, we were the only school in the whole of Tomobiki that made use of that number.  Ataru-kun had '4' for the track team."

	"Yeah, I remember seeing that when he was in the Tag Races with that Oni girl," Ukyou nods.  "Sugar, you got my sympathies, there."

	"Arigatou."

	"So you're staying with Ataru-kun and Negako-san?" Nabiki asks.

	"Of course!" Chigaiko smiles, a blush colouring her cheeks.  "Now that that Oni slut's out of the way and with him telling the rest of them to go screw themselves, the road's clear ahead for this girl, Nabiki-san!!"

	"Oooh!!  Gotta crush on the guy, huh?!" Ukyou whoops.

	Nabiki laughs.  "Well, like Nabiki-san said, Ataru-kun was the ONLY person to ever bother remembering my name," Chigaiko's eyes become hooded.  "He said 'Good morning, Chigaiko-chan' to me every day!  I didn't want to push it beyond that, not with Lum riding him all the time like she did!"

	"What about that Mendou character?" Ukyou wonders.

	"Oh, what a fake that dork was!" Chigaiko rolls her finger in a 'whoop-de-doo' sign.  "Sure, he flirted with me just like he did all the other girls, but it was easy for me to tell that he didn't give a damn about any other girl than Lum, even after he got engaged to that Asuka girl!  Besides, a TRUE gentleman would do his upmost to remember a lady's name.  Ataru-kun ALWAYS remembers a lady's name!" she adds with a wink.

	The other girls laugh.  "Go get him, girl!!" Ukyou whoops, then turns back to Nabiki.  "So where's Ran-chan right now there, Nabiki?"

	"Gone with Ataru-kun until Sunday," -- it was now Wednesday -- "...to a place called Promised Island to go visit Ataru-kun's half-sisters."

	"'Half-sisters?!'" Ukyou and Chigaiko blink surprisedly.

	Nabiki smiles.  "Turns out that Mr. Moroboshi was a BAAAAAAAAAAAD boy when he was not too much older than we are, ladies."

	"Oh, please, do tell us more," Ukyou smirks.

	Laughter echoes through U-chan's...

*    *    *

	Tomobiki High School...

	"Oh, man...!"

	Ryuunosuke tries not to scream out in rage and anguish as she stares at the ruined school.  The wreckers would be by soon to tear down what was left of the northwest wing, thus allowing the Mendou Emergency Construction and Repair Team (the folks who normally repaired the school when something strange happened) to get to work on reconstruction.  Shinobu stands beside her friend, ready to support the orphaned girl if she needed it.

	Taking a deep breath, Ryuunosuke shakes her head, then gazes on her companion.  "Y'know, 'scept for the people dyin' and all that..." she begins, then sucks back a sob before wiping her eyes, "...it don't look so different from after the Psuedo-War and the Second Tag Race.  Don't it?"

	Shinobu blinks, then nods.  "Hai, that's true, isn't it?"

	"Shinobu?!  Ryuunosuke-kun?!"

	Both turn to see several of their classmates, led by Momoe Marubeya and Kumiko Gekasawa, walk up.  "Yo, guys!" Ryuunosuke waves.

	"Ohayou, minna," Shinobu bows.  "What are you all doing here?"

	"Looking for you," Kumiko shrugs.  "Listen, we're trying to get all the people in class together, then we'd go and find Ataru-kun.  You know, thank him for coming over to help out with the clean-up and all that."

	Shinobu gags on the lump in her throat.  Seeing that, Ryuunosuke sighs, then squeezes Shinobu's shoulder before turning back to the others.  "Look, Moroboshi don't want anything to do with us anymore, Kumiko..."

	"Even if he doesn't, Ryuunosuke-kun, he did help," Kumiko objects.  "I mean, it shocked me when the local papers only mentioned Saotome-san and all that.  I mean, I don't really like him and all that, but..."

	"AND he don't like us, Kumiko!" Ryuunosuke snaps, causing Kumiko to wilt.  "Look, Shinobu and I went over to his parents' place to try to find some way to tell him about what happened to his mom and dad.  There was this guy there.  He's the man runnin' Moroboshi's grandma's will and all that.  He freakin' tore a strip off us both.  Practically gloated at the fact that Moroboshi was leavin' us once and for all!  Even said that Moroboshi burned all his yearbooks and photo albums just to help him forget we exist!  I say THAT'S a pretty strong message, Kumiko.  Look..." she stops as a hand grabs hers, then she looks over.  "Shinobu?"

	Shinobu sighs.  "I'm not going to give up on him, Ryuu-chan."

	"Shinobu!!" Ryuunosuke snaps.

	"Shinobu-chan!" Momoe gasps.

	Ataru's former girlfriend sighs, then stares at her friends.  "Look, if there's anyone who might know where he is, it's Tampopo Kamekichi."

	"You mean the ramen stand cook that always beat up that slab o'beef Rei all the time?!" Shinjin Koi, one of the boys from Class 2-4, blinks.

	"Hey, Rei-san's no slab of beef!!!" Kumiko snaps.

	"Yeah, right, sure!" another boy rolls his eyes.

	Seeing people tense, Shinobu tries not to scream.  God help them, Lum and all her friends would be affecting people's thoughts for a LONG time to come!  "Alright, enough, already!!!" she snaps, causing everyone to turn to her.  "What's past is past!!  We have to move on!  Let's find Kamekichi-san, where she moved her shop, then go ask her about Ataru-kun!  Okay?!"

	The others nod...

*    *    *

	Nerima, the Moroboshi home, an hour later...

	"Remain still, Nabiki."

	Nabiki sighs, lying face-first on the sitting room floor as Negako gently manipulates the former's shiatsu pattern to entice the nervous clusters around her shoulders to regenerate.  Ukyou and Chigaiko sit to one side, watching the ninjitsu grandmistress work.  "Oooh, that feels great!" Nabiki purrs delightedly as Negako's fingertips slightly vibrate, sending chi energy into the body to break apart the scarred neural tissue within.

	A happy whistling echoes through the open doorway, heralding the arrival of one of Nerima's three martial arts grandmasters.  "Good morning, ladies!" Happousai bounces in, avoiding a swipe from Ukyou's spatula, then he lands on Negako's head.  "Hiya, Negako-chan!  How's Nabiki here?!"

	"She will recover sooner if you do not distract me," Negako gently picks him off her head, then sets him to one side before carrying on.

	"Ojii-chan, you even THINK of stealing my bra or panties right now, I won't bail you out of jail the next time you get really drunk," Nabiki warns, glaring at him as she raises a finger in dire warning.

	"Oh, relax, relax!  The girls from Saint Hebereke were more than happy to let me protect all their silky darlings!" Happousai croons, then pulls out his pipe and lights it as he watches Negako work.  "Looks good."

	"Yes, her potential is considerable.  The chances are good that once she has regained confidence in her skills, she could begin chi training."

	Everyone, even Nabiki, gapes.  "You're kidding!!" Ukyou exclaims.

	"I do not joke, Ukyou," Negako explains.  "Everyone on the planet has some chi-manipulation abilities.  Most do not go beyond the basic required to maintain one's health to the standard they feel is 'right' for them.  Remember, the ability to utilize chi and ki is closely interconnected with one's faith in herself, her surroundings and Existence as a whole.  Since events in places like Nerima and Tomobiki defy what is accepted as 'normal' to most people, those not native to either place will not be able to conceive of what we would see as 'normal.'"

	"I never thought about that," Ukyou admits.

	"Of course not.  Save for the romantic interest of a stealth expert like Tsubasa Kurenai, you did not encounter a situation where your concepts of 'reality' were not broadened significantly until you came to Nerima."

	The chef blanches.  "PLEASE don't remind me of him!" she feels her stomach.  "Gods, I still can't believe that jackass at times!!"

	"Does he still pester you?" Nabiki wonders.

	"Nah, not since after Konatsu started working for me," Ukyou shakes her head.  "Tsu-baka got wind of 'Natsu about a week after that fight with 'Natsu's sisters, then came down to chase him off.  I didn't have to do spit to get rid of him; 'Natsu did all the work AND kept the place intact!"

	"Amazing!" Nabiki smirks.  "That guy's always after Ranma-kun."

	"Perhaps Tsubasa's lust for Ukyou has grown to the point where he may blind himself to everything around him.  He would become very dangerous at that point," Negako warns, then blinks as a cell-phone rings.

	She pulls back, allowing Nabiki to sit up, she drawing out the phone from her jeans pocket.  "Moshi-moshi, Tendou here," she calls out.

	"Nabiki-san, it's me!" a woman calls back.

	"Momoe-san, what's up?!"

	Chigaiko's jaw drops.  One of Mendou's floozies knew Nabiki Tendou?!  "Oh, nothing too much.  We're pretty well recovering here," Momoe reports.  "Listen, a bunch of yatai owners here told us that Tampopo Kamekichi moved to your part of Tokyo some weeks back.  Can you give an address?"

	"I probably could.  Why're you so interested?"

	"Well, actually, we're looking for Ataru Moroboshi.  You know, thank him for his help in what happened on Monday and all that.  If anyone knows where Ataru-kun went, it'd be Tampopo-san?  So, can you give?"

	"I..." Nabiki pauses, then notices Negako holding out her hand.  "Look, Momoe, Ataru-kun's sister's sitting right beside me.  I'll let you talk to her about it.  Just a second..." she hands the phone over...

*    *    *

	Tomobiki town park...

	"'SISTER?!?!?!'" everyone exclaims.

	Momoe stares at her cell-phone, then holds it up.  "Moshi-moshi?"

	"This is Negako Moroboshi," a frighteningly cold woman's voice calls out.  "Ataru is not here right now.  What is the matter, Momoe?"

	"I..." Momoe blinks, then shakes her head before calling back over the line, "I didn't know Ataru-kun had a sister!"

	"Nor did Ataru until seven weeks ago when I restored his memories after Kinshou had them erased of key information five years ago," Negako replies.  "This was done to ensure Kinshou could succeed in embezzling Ataru's inheritance from his grandmother.  I believe if you watch NHK Nerima or TV Tokyo, you will learn the whole story in tonight's newscast."

	"I...!  I see," Momoe recovers, then sighs.  "Well, listen, Negako-san.  We'd like to know where your brother is right now..."

	"He is not here."

	"Er...!  O-okay, where is he?"

	"That is none of your business, Momoe."

	"Hey!!"

	"I suggest you listen and take heed.  Reigi made it clear to Shinobu and Ryuunosuke last evening.  If you are incapable of acknowledging that, neither Ataru nor I will be responsible for what might result from it."

	Momoe is stunned by the curt indifference Negako demonstrates to her over the phone.  "I..." she begins, then sighs.  "Look!  All we want to do is thank him for helping out on Monday when that bomb went off!!"

	"I will convey your gratitude to Ataru when he returns.  But do not expect any return show of emotion.  As far as he is concerned, no one in Tomobiki deserves it.  ESPECIALLY when it comes from one whose obsession with an immature fool like Shutaro Mendou blinds her to all that occurs around her.  You are warned.  Do not press this matter further, Momoe."

	*Beep!*  The connection is cut.  "Hey!!!" Momoe screams out, then stares at the silent cell-phone in disbelief.  "Who the hell...?!"

	"Ataru-kun doesn't have a sister!!"

	Eyes lock on Shinobu.  "You sure?!" Ryuunosuke wonders.

	"Yes!!!" Shinobu nods.  "He's an only child!!  I've known him since we were in kindergarten!  He had a cousin living up in Sendai, a girl named Nokoko, but she disappeared shortly after we first met...!!"

	"Well, according to what this girl just said, Ataru-kun had his memories altered at his mother's order five years ago," Momoe asserts.

	Silence falls as the others consider that.  "Look, if Ataru don't want anything to do with us anymore, let's forget all this," Shinjin then sighs.  "I mean, he's makin' it pretty obvious and all that!  He don't want to have nothin' to do with us anymore!  Okay, that's cool!  C'mon, guys!!"

	The boys walk off, leaving Shinobu, Ryuunosuke, Momoe and Kumiko alone.  "So what do we do now?" Kumiko shrugs, gazing at her classmates.

	"Maybe the guys have a good idea," Ryuunosuke notes.

	"NO!!!"

	Eyes lock on Shinobu.  "I'm not letting it end like THIS!!" she hisses, her fists clenching.  "I will NOT let it end like THIS!!!"

	"We could ask Mendou-san to help," Momoe proposes.

	"NO!!!" Shinobu snaps.  "Don't you remember shortly after he first came?!  When he started going ga-ga over Lum like all the other boys did?!  You, Kumiko and the other girls all cornered Ataru-kun one day to make him stay with Lum!  And when he refused, what did you do?!  Well?!!"

	Momoe nods.  "I guess none of us ever believed Ataru might actually hold grudges against US!!" Kumiko sighs.  "I mean, against Mendou-san, Rei-san, Megane and his crew, it's understandable!  But against US?!"

	"Maybe he's learned how to hate girls.  And I mean REALLY hate them."

	Eyes lock on Ryuunosuke.  "Think about it," the tomboy warns.  "Before the Second Tag Race up on Lan's ship, he said 'I hate women' after he and Lum had that big fight.  What if Moroboshi really meant it?  After all, two weeks after the mushrooms were wiped out, he vanishes.  Then he comes back, packin' those martial arts skills and all that, same as that redhead who showed up on Monday, too.  Lum's kicked off the planet, then she winds up dead.  With her gone, all her friends decide it may not be worth comin' back to Earth.  And without Lum to stop him, what's to stop Moroboshi from thinking about settlin' some old scores?"

	The others pale.  "Ataru would NEVER do that...!" Kumiko sputters.

	"Really?!" Ryuunosuke hums.  "Willing to bet your life on it, Kumiko?  We beat up Moroboshi constantly before he vanishes.  Then he comes back and rips apart walls like they were confetti.  I know what martial artists are like.  I had to learn martial arts to survive with a lunkhead like Oyaji.  The way Moroboshi moved on Monday, I'd say he trained as long and as hard as that red-haired girl...!  What was her name again, Momoe?!"

	"Ranma Saotome.  And by the way, Ranma is not a 'she' but a 'he?!'"

	"EH?!!" Kumiko jolts.

	"She sure looked like a girl to me!!" Shinobu asserts.

	"Shinobu, many people mistake Ryuunosuke-kun as a boy even with her saying 'I'm a girl!' all the time.  I fall into that trap, too, you know," Momoe reminds her.  "Ranma-san has a magical curse that turns him into a girl when he's hit with cold water.  Hot water turns him back.  According to Nabiki-san, it's been the bane of his life for the last two years."

	"No shit!" Ryuunosuke whistles.

	"Right," Momoe sighs.  "Then you add what Ranma-san said on Monday.  But..." she pauses, then turns to Ryuunosuke.  "I can't see where you're coming from about Ataru-kun training as long as Ranma-san, Ryuunosuke-kun.  Ranma-san's trained since even before he learned how to walk!  Unless Ataru-kun found some way to play around with time...!" she shrugs.

	"Lum showed us how time could be played around with," Shinobu sighs.

	"Yeah," Ryuunosuke nods, then turns to gaze at Tomobiki High School.  "Makes me wonder.  Do we really KNOW this guy, especially now?"

	The others hum...

*    *    *

	Promised Island...

	"Good morning, Nee-sama!  Feeling better now?!"

	"Oh, man...!" Ranma moans, sliding slowly out of her bed, then her nose perks on smelling the breakfast Shirayuki made for her.  "Oooh, that smells great!!  L-leave..." she stifles a yawn, "...it over there!" her finger jerks towards a small work desk on the other side of the guest room.

	"Hai!" the mauve-haired, would-be chef with the black hairtie places the tray on the desk, then she watches as Ranma slides to the floor, then slowly rolls back to her feet.  "Mou!  Honestly, Nee-sama.  Nii-sama told us you were coming, so I made enough food for the both of you.  With the way you eat, it's a wonder you didn't choke on my uzura-dango."

	"Those were GREAT dumplings, Shirayuki-chan," Ranma smirks, then she engages in some stretching to loosen her up.  "'Sides, when I was out with Oyaji, I had to fight for almost every meal I had.  Same thing's been going on since I got to Tokyo and started living with the Tendous.  If you don't defend your food, you're gonna loose it really quick in our place."

	Shirayuki blinks.  The IDEA of STEALING other people's food...!  What moron thought up such a silly notion, especially as martial arts training?!  Food was to be ENJOYED to the last morsel, not sucked in at supersonic speeds like some metahuman stoker shovelling coal into a ship's boiler.  "Well, you won't have to do it here, so PLEASE try to slow down, Nee-sama," she wags a warning finger at Ranma before leaving.

	"Right," Ranma waves as she goes, then walks to the window to gaze on the courtyard behind Welcome House, Promised Island's hostel.

	Rinrin was testing her latest invention, Mega-Rinrin (a hominoid robot, looking someone like a cross between R2-D2 and Giant Robo, three times Rinrin's height).  Most of the other sisters were no doubt preparing for school, an all-grade establishment which ensured people didn't have to go to the mainland when they shifted from to junior high and high school.

	And Ataru...?

	Ranma looks around, but doesn't see her friend.  Humming, she moves to dress, then jogs into the lobby, glancing around.  Before she could head out to continue her search, a giant eye looms before her.  "CHECKY!!!!"

	Ranma screams, scrambling back, then she breathes out.  "Yotsuba, willya QUIT doin' that?!!" she glares at Ataru's English relation.

	"Oh, Ane-chama, you really have GOT to relax!" Yotsuba draws her magnifying glass away from her face, revealing a cute fifteen-year old with caramel-shaded hair in twin short ponytails.  Like last night at the reception party the sisters threw in Ataru's and Ranma's honour, she has on her "Sherlock Holmes" look:  deer-hunter's cap and short cape over a suit and shirt tied off with a Union Jack tie.  "Anyhow, if you're looking for Ani-chama, he's gone down to the beach on the east side to exercise a bit."

	"Oh, right!  Thanks!" Ranma waves as she jogs off.

	Winding her way to one of the ring roads circling Promised Island, Ranma sighs.  No wonder Ataru had been tempted to remain here with these girls.  They might be annoying as all get out at times, but with the way they warmed to him when he and Negako arrived from Tomobiki, it made the pain Ataru felt from his parents' betrayal seem meaningless.

	"Ohayou gozaimasu, Onee-chan."

	"Oh, ohayou, Karen-chan!" Ranma turns as a girl with dark brown hair, partially braided, runs up to him.  "How're you feeling today?"

	"Alright," Karen slips her arm around Ranma's as they arrive at one of the "spoke" streets, then follow it to Third Avenue, the inner "ring" road.  Promised Island's road network was, given the island's circular shape, set up like the spokes of a bicycle wheel, interconnected by three ring roads that surrounded the central hill.  "Onee-chan, can you make sure Onii-chan remembers to be at the piano recital tonight at school?"

	"What, you afraid that Ataru might forget?" Ranma smirks.  Ataru told her that Karen's passion with the piano was a sight to behold at times.

	"Well, noooooo..." Karen frowns, then she stares at Ranma.  "But you see, Onii-chan isn't used to having sisters outside of Negako-oneechan.  I really, really want Onii-chan to be there, Onee-chan.  Okay?"

	"Okay, I'll make sure he's there even if I gotta drag him down!" Ranma winks, then jolts on hearing a cell-phone ring.  Reaching into her trousers pocket, she draws it out, then flips it open.  "Moshi-moshi."

	"Ohayou, Ranma."

	Ranma jolts.  "M-m-Mom?!!  How'd you get this number?!!"

	"Oh, don't worry, dear!" Nodoka titters delightedly.  "I went to see Negako-san and she told me Ataru-kun gave you a cell-phone to use while you're staying on the island there.  Have you met Ataru-kun's sisters yet?"

	"Yeah, I have.  Karen-chan's here with me right now asking me to make sure Ataru don't forget her piano recital this afternoon," Ranma glances at Karen, the latter beaming delightedly.  "So how're things back in Nerima?"

	"Well, first of all, Kasumi-chan, Nabiki-chan and Negako-san have told me about the trouble you've had with Akane since you came," a touch of frostiness enters Nodoka's voice.  "I was very upset to hear some of those things.  She always seemed such a sweet person to me whenever I visited."

	"Yeah, well livin' with her wasn't always a bag of treats, you know," Ranma sarcastically notes, absently rubbing her forehead.

	"So I can sense from the tone in your voice, even if you are a girl at this time," Nodoka sighs.  "Do the girls know about your curse?"

	"Well, Negako and Ataru agreed that it'd be smart to keep me in one body here, so we tossed a coin and it came up 'female,'" Ranma reaches down to squeeze Karen's hand, the junior high school student beaming in return.  "Ataru was afraid that the young ones like Hina, Aria-chan and Kaho-chan might want to 'experiment' with a tea kettle and some glasses of water.  Never mind what our island's local mad scientist might dream up."

	"Oh, Rinrin-chan, you mean?" Nodoka titters again, then sighs.  "Well, you will not have to worry about Akane anymore, my son."

	Ranma stops, her eyes wide.  "Mom, what happened?!" she cups the cell-phone close to her.  "Jeez, don't tell me...!"

	"She's alright!" Nodoka cuts her off, then clears her throat.  "And seeing that, regardless of her recklessness towards you, you still care for her speaks highly of you.  But given the evidence of what has happened to you over the last two years, I decided the time had come to put an end to this whole charade.  As of last night, you are no longer engaged to Akane."

	Silence.

	"Onii-chan?" Karen stares at Ranma's blank face.

	"Ranma?!  Dear, are you there?!" Nodoka calls over the cell-phone.

	Ranma blinks, then sighs.  "I see..."

	"I'm sorry to shock you, but it is for the best," Nodoka sighs.  "And don't worry about you being shuttled into a new engagement with Kasumi-chan or Nabiki-chan.  As far as I'm concerned, I think it's high time you be given the chance to have a say about how your life will turn out."

	Ranma blinks, blinks again, shakes her head, then blinks several more times.  "Mom, what about family honour?!  What about me being a 'manly man' like Oyaji promised you?!  What about Ukyou for that matter?!  What about Shampoo and all the who-knows-how-many-other fiancees out there?!"

	A sigh, then, "Ranma, last night was a night of revelations for all of us, even me," Nodoka admits.  "It's a long story and I'll tell you more when you come back from the island.  Right now, don't worry about resolving this mess concerning all these engagements.  Your priority right now is to heal from all the pain you've been subject to.  Negako-san and Ataru-kun will certainly help you to that end.  Oh, if you wish to know, I spoke to Master Happousai about Genma.  As far as the Master is concerned, Genma has lost all rights to consider himself your primary instructor in the Art.  As soon as you're fully healed, Negako-san will take over in that regard."

	"I..." Ranma blinks, then nods.  "I understand.  It's just that..."

	"Odd that something goes your way now, eh?" Nodoka muses.

	"Er...!  Ah...!  Yeah!"

	"I know, dear.  Anyhow, you best be off doing what Karen-chan wants for her recital.  I'll be waiting for you when you come back, alright?"

	"Okay, Mom.  I love you."

	"I love you, too.  'Bye, dear."

	The connection is cut, then Ranma sighs, putting the cell-phone away.  "Are you alright there, Onee-chan?" Karen stares concernedly at her.

	Ranma returns her look, then shrugs.  "I dunno.  I really dunno..."

*    *    *

	Nerima General Hospital...

	"***WHAT?!?!***"

	Everyone is nearly blasted out of Akane's room by her shout.  Kasumi, who had come to drop the bombshell on her little sister, sighs.  "I am afraid this is true, Akane-chan.  Auntie Saotome has been informed about the amount of pain and damage you've caused on Ranma-kun since he came, all that forcing Negako-san to place that 'shield' around Ranma-kun so that he can heal.  She is well within her rights to end the engagement.  She did."

	"I...!" Akane blinks, then winces as the dulled pain from her right arm shoots up her spine right into her brain.  "I..." she starts again, her heart doing flip-flops as it rolls over what was just said, then a slow breath escapes her as she looks away.  "Onee-chan..." she feebles.

	"No.  If you can't say what you really feel, don't bother," Kasumi shakes her head.  "It is over between you two.  Truly over."

	"B-but..."

	"Hey, who's going to make Saotome apologize for THAT?!!" a quaking Sayuri points to the cast immobilizing Akane's right arm.

	"That is of no concern, Sayuri-chan," Kasumi sighs.  "Ranma-kun feels guilty enough that Negako-san was forced to go THAT far to protect him.  He doesn't need to deal with any of you adding to that when he returns."

	"Oh?!!" Sayuri snaps, glaring at the elder Tendou daughter.  "Why are you coddling him?!  Akane's life's been made HELL because of that perverted freak!!  You're her sister, for Heaven's sake!!  Don't you ca-...?!!"

	Kasumi's hand lashes out, slapping Sayuri HARD.  The blow sends Akane's friend into a wall, she sinking to the floor, shock and surprise overwhelming her.  Seeing this, the others in the room gape, stunned at the show of anger from the normally-unflappable Kasumi.  "Yes, Sayuri-san, I DO happen to care about my sister.  I care about her very much, in fact," the elder Tendou daughter sighs, her voice VERY frosty.  "I also happen to care for Ranma-kun, who, despite what Akane-chan has often said to the contrary, is NOT a 'perverted freak' as you like to call him.  If you cannot bother to see BOTH sides of the argument, understand not just Akane-chan's point of view but Ranma-kun's as well, then it is clearly obvious to me you are the WRONG sort of friend my sister should possess.  Therefore, I will ask you now to leave and I will inform the nurses that you are not permitted to visit my sister while she remains in this hospital.  Now, go!!"

	Sayuri blinks, sensing that Kasumi is NOT joking.  With a jerky nod, she hastily withdraws from the room.  Yuka, who had come with her friend to visit Akane, watches Sayuri go, then rushes out to follow.  Kasumi watches them go, then sighs, turning back to Akane.  The younger Tendou has turned her head away from her sister.  "Akane-chan...?" Kasumi blinks.

	"Get out!"

	Kasumi jolts, wide-eyed.  "Akane..."

	"GET OUT!!!" Akane grabs a vase with her good hand and sending it flying at Kasumi.  The older daughter ducks the flying object as it crashes into the wall, then moves to defend herself as Akane screams at her.  "How DARE you treat my friends like that?!!  How DARE you defend that bastard after he did THIS to me?!!  Get out!!!  You're not my mother and you sure aren't my sister anymore!!!  Get out, get out, GET OUT, GET OU-...!!!"

	Kasumi's hand slams into Akane's cheek, knocking her head aside as the latter's voice is cut off.  Silence falls over the room as Kasumi tries her best to regain some sense of control.  "I'm sorry," the older Tendou daughter breathes out, then stares at the spectators, several of Akane's classmates who had come to cheer her up and get some information about what happened between her and Ranma.  "All of you.  Leave.  Now."

	They withdraw.  Kasumi walks to the door, closing and locking it, then she returns to Akane's bedside.  The latter's cheeks are wet with tears glistening from the room lights.  "I said 'get out,'" she repeats.

	"No," Kasumi sighs.  "You will listen for once, Akane.  You made a promise to me a long time ago concerning your behaviour with Ranma.  A promise, by the way, that Ranma is also aware of.  He was outside the room when we spoke about it.  You've broken that promise so many times, it's a wonder to me why Ranma did not leave you, leave all of us, long ago.  In fact, it's an utter wonder to me why you've gone and reverted to THIS child-like behaviour after Ranma had been forced to KILL to save your life from that monster Saffron.  Doesn't that matter to you?!  Did it EVER matter to you, Akane?!  Knowing how much he's sacrificed of his heart, his sanity and his very SOUL just to keep you safe?!!"

	No answer comes from Akane.  Kasumi suspected that much.  Too many lines, FAR too many lines, had been crossed yesterday and today.  "Fine, then," the older Tendou daughter turns to depart.  "If you can't grow up finally, Akane, don't expect Ranma-kun to come to your rescue the next time some monster comes to town.  You've boasted time and time again that you are a martial artist.  You might have to prove it one day.  I will not be so surprised if you come up short.  Good day."

	She walks out.  Akane does not say anything, does not do anything, for a minute.  Then, a shudder warps through her as sobs escape her lips.  She collapses onto her bed, wailing as she tries to cover her face with her good hand.  Outside, Kasumi stands by the doorway, her own eyes misty as her sister's pain cuts through her like a knife.  Closing her eyes, she bites her lip as she hisses "I'm sorry, Akane-chan!" before heading off...

*    *    *

	Outside...

	"Gods, did you SEE that?!"

	"Hai, Shampoo saw," Shampoo winces.  She and Ukyou now crouch in a tree closest to Akane's bedroom window.  They had come here to look in on their former rival, see how she'd react to the news of Nodoka's decision.  They sure got an eyeful.  "Shampoo no believe Kasumi act like that!"

	"Yeah, sugar, you can say that again," Ukyou shakes her head, feeling a twinge of pity for the youngest Tendou daughter.  *Now you know how it feels like when you think Ran-chan's rejected you,* she mentally adds, then sighs.  "Well, let's get outta here.  No sense gloating now, eh?"

	"Hai," the warrior-maiden nods, moving to follow...

*    *    *

	Tokyo, Shinjuku, that evening...

	"Welcome, everyone.  Hello, Shinobu!  I see you brought your friend!"

	"Good evening, Father Cristobal," Shinobu bows respectfully, gently grasping the hand of her family's pastor, then she indicates Ryuunosuke, performing the necessary introductions.

	"A pleasure to meet you, Ryuunosuke," Cristobal Rodriguez, a slender man now draped in the black robes of a Jesuit missionary, gently grips her hand.  "I am truly sorry for your loss, my dear.  Please, do come in."

	"Th-thanks," Ryuunosuke nods, then follows Shinobu into the Cathedral of Saint Urban.  Already there is a small crowd there.  Shinobu told her friend most Japanese Christians lived in Kyushu, though with the growing numbers of people migrating into Tokyo to seek work, the Church of Rome felt it was necessary to establish a church here.  Saint Urban, named after one of the earliest pontiffs, was modern as churches came, lacking the rustic masonry one might find in a European cathedral.  "Nice place," she whispers to Shinobu as they and Kimiki slip into one of the pews.

	"Yes, it is," Shinobu nods.

	People take their places, then Father Cristobal assumes his post by the altar.  Prayers are given, then the pastor asks everyone to be seated.  Given the often hectic working schedules of many of his flock, he decided to reserve religious services for Sundays.  Wednesday nights were meant for church studies, open to those who could spare the time (Toshoba Miyaki was currently at work).  Once everyone is relaxed, he takes a deep breath, then notions to one side of the room.  Someone rises, moving to stand beside Father Cristobal.  To the surprise of many, even Shinobu, the newcomer is dressed in the flowing black robes of an Islamic priest.

	"My friends, this is my very good friend..." a pause, then he smiles, "...and my brother-in-faith, Imam Daniyal Larik.  He is from Karachi.  Like I for you, he ministers to those of his faith living in the Tokyo area.  I asked him to come tonight to help us understand the terrible events which struck Tomobiki on Monday.  We have with us tonight also," he indicates Ryuunosuke, "...one who lost both her father and her boyfriend in that explosion.  For my brother here," he then indicates Imam Daniyal, "...his loss is far worse, for the man who, many now say, was responsible for that act..." a pause, "...was one of his own flock."

	Ryuunosuke blinks, then glancing at the others in Saint Urban tonight, notices everyone gazing on the Islamic cleric with sympathy.  Guilt then surges up her spine.  Ever since the official announcement concerning who perpetrated the bombing at Tomobiki High was made, she had felt nothing but a sense of betrayal every time Ibrahim Alhamzi's face appeared in her mind.  Gazing at Daniyal Larik now, the guilt increases.  The pain etched on the cleric's face was worse, far worse, than what her father had shown when he thought of her mother.  No doubt, even now with what Ibrahim had done, Imam Daniyal thought of him as not just a friend and fellow Muslim, but a close relative.  Like a son, perhaps?

	Father Cristobal steps aside, allowing the imam to assume the podium.  "The blessings of the most Merciful God unto you, those who follow the teachings of the Prophet Jesus.  Thank you, my friend and brother-in-faith, for allowing me to speak to your blessed flock this evening," he nods thanks to the Jesuit, then faces the crowd.  "And yes, my friend does speak the truth about what happened on Monday and how much it has come to affect me personally.  I did not come here to neither condone nor forgive the actions of Ibrahim Alhamzi.  I cannot, for the only one who could do such a thing in the face of such a calamity is God.  I can only but pray that God will help those who died, including Ibrahim, find their peace in Heaven."

	A pause, then, "No doubt, there are those among you who wonder why this has happened.  Why is it there are those in this world who, supposedly acting in the name of God, would murder innocent people?  What made a person like Ibrahim Alhamzi become a living weapon..." -- the cleric was grateful he had spoken to Father Cristobal about this before tonight's class began -- "...no different than the kamikaze pilots who died by the droves in the last years of the Greater East Asian War?  What made a man who had treated all his fellow men with kindness, respect and mercy..." a tear appears in his eye, "...come to hate and to kill?"

	He wipes his eye, then sighs.  "I have asked myself and I have asked God that very question since Monday, my friends.  I wish I could explain why is it so many who say they follow the teachings and the Word of the Prophet are ready to toss aside his wisdom when it comes to those they hate.  God told Moses on Mount Sinai 'You shall not murder.'  That is the Sixth of the Ten Commandments, the basis of not just Judaic but Christian law.  We followers of Islam," he points to himself, "...look upon people like you as 'people of the Book.'  You worship the same God as we."

	Shinobu puts her hand up, then when Imam Daniyal indicates her, asks, "If that is what the Prophet Mohammed wrote in the Qu'ran, why is it, sir, that extremists want to make war on the people of Israel or on Americans?"

	The cleric sighs.  "My dear young lady, I wish I could give you a simple reason for that particular problem," he shakes his head, then indicates Father Cristobal.  "My friend here told me that in previous classes with you, he explained how people who considered themselves 'truly faithful' Christians have perverted the teachings of the Prophet Jesus to their own ends.  Everything from the actions of the Inquisition to the Crusades and ultimately to atrocities like the Holocaust can be attributed to that sad fact.  And yes, it is the same in Judaism.  And yes, it is sadly the same in Islam.  Jerusalem, which is the holiest city in both Judaism and Christianity, ranks as the third holy city of Islam."

	Kimiki puts up her hand.  "So in the end, that fight is control over the holy places in Jerusalem, like the Wailing Wall?"

	"Yes, madame.  The Dome of the Rock, where (in our tradition) the Prophet is said to have ascended to Heaven, sits on the very site of the Temple of Solomon.  That was razed to the ground by the Romans when the Israelites rebelled against the Caesars in the year 70 of the modern era."

	"Who really owns the site?" Ryuunosuke shakes her head.

	"Exactly," Imam Daniyal sighs.

	"What exactly is 'jihad?'" another woman asks.  "I've always heard that it means much more than 'holy war,' but I don't know the exact term."

	The cleric perks up.  "Ah, yes!  First of all, 'jihad' does NOT translate as 'holy war,' madame.  What it properly means is 'struggle.'  Let me tell you a story about the Prophet and perhaps you can then understand where such a mistake is made."  He pauses, then begins.  "The Qu'ran was written at a time of terrible conflict in what today we call Saudi Arabia.  That conflict was similar in many ways to the Warring States period here in Japan.  The Prophet, as God revealed the Qu'ran to him, was trying to bring peace to Arabia.  One day, he was returning home after a terrible battle.  The Prophet told his companions, 'We are returning from the lesser jihad to the greater jihad.'  You see, 'jihad' refers to the effort a Muslim must make to allow the Will of God to influence ALL parts of his life.  His personal life, his social life, his relations with his friends, his place as part of his community.  The struggle that the Prophet spoke of, my friends, is to eliminate evil not just from your community," he points to his heart, "...but also from your very soul."

	"Then those who say they're fighting for Islam, like Alhamzi-san, believe they are actually warring against evil," Shinobu concludes.

	"Exactly, child," Imam Daniyal nods, then stares at Ryuunosuke.  "Believe it or not, Fujinami-san, I do know of you.  I know of the terrible loss of your mother when you were a baby.  I know how that affected not just your father, but also you and your friend Nagisa.  Ibrahim..." he pauses, looking at the pulpit, then he sighs.  "Many times did Ibrahim tell me of things he saw in Tomobiki.  What he knew of the alien girl Lum and how her presence there had come to affect so many.  He wept when he told me of how often you were hurt because your father could not see you as God made you, Fujinami-san.  He wept even more when he told me of Nagisa and what had happened to him.  He..." his eyes then shift to Shinobu.  "He even told me of learning how much your friend Ataru Moroboshi had been abused, in all effect rendered helpless and friendless, by not just Lum and those who so willingly supported her, Miyaki-san.  But by his parents as well."

	The knowing look Imam Daniyal gives her sends chills down Shinobu's back, then she blinks as another man's voice echoes in her mind...

*    *    *

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

	Shinobu blinked, staring quizzically at Ryuunosuke, then turned back to Reigi.  "I don't understand, Yumoa-san..." she began.

	"Alright," he sighed.  "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 blinked.

	He waited, then sighed.  "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 pointed 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..."

*    *    *

	*Oh, Jesu Cristo!  What have I done...?*

	Shinobu shudders, then wipes her eyes, sensing tears flow down her cheeks.  Ryuunosuke's hand is immediately at her friend's shoulder, the tomboy giving Shinobu a reassuring squeeze.  "Forgive me," Imam Daniyal's voice turns the teens' attention back to the altar.  The cleric's head is bowed; no doubt, he realized his words had come to hurt her.  "I didn't mean to accuse you of anything, Miyaki-san."

	"I..." Shinobu sniffs, then smiles, nodding.  "It's alright."

	He blinks, then turns to Father Cristobal.  "My friend, you are truly blessed, you know that?  To have such good people to care for," he pats the Jesuit's shoulder, then turns to Ryuunosuke.  "I've prepared something for you, Fujinami-san," he draws out a small, leather-bound book.  Descending from the altar, he holds it out.  "It belonged to Ibrahim's mother.  She gave it to him before he came Japan.  I contacted her to inform her of what happened.  She..." he pats the book, then lightly smiles at Ryuunosuke.  "She insisted that you have this.  To understand that what happened on Monday is not condoned by our faith.  It is not our way, Fujinami-san."

	Ryuunosuke opens the book, noting that everything was not just in the script of Arabic, but also in Japanese kanji and kana.  "The Qu'ran?"

	"Yes," he nods.  "I don't seek to convert you to Islam, Fujinami-san.  The decision, should you actually seek something like that, in the end must be yours.  The Prophet was very specific on that point.  'There must be NO coercion in matters of faith.'  But I want to help you heal.  So does my friend here," he indicates Father Cristobal, then the Miyakis, "...as does your friend and her family as well.  For that, madame, child, I thank you."

	"It will always be our pleasure, sir," Kimiki nods.

	Everyone beams...

*    *    *

	Promised Island...

	"Karen-chan really did great in her recital, didn't she?"

	"Of course she did, Marie-chan," Sakuya chuckles as everyone relaxes in the recreation room at Welcome House.  "Onii-sama inspired her."

	The others laugh, many glancing at Karen.  The poor girl is blushing from head to toe.  "I thought she did great," Ranma muses, sitting beside Yotsuba as she sips some herbal tea.  "You could tell in her every move of her fingers over the piano keys that she was letting her heart out."  Eyes look on Karen, everyone quick to notice her blush deepening.  "What I can't understand is why is it her sensei didn't like the song she played."

	"Sensei thinks Yanni-sensei is too modern for a 'classical-inspired' composer," Karen then pouts.  "I can't help it if Onii-chan likes him."

	"I believe Yanni-sensei would've approved of your rendition of 'The End of August,' Karen," the purple-haired teenager in the black two-piece suit with a red, Gothic cross-embossed tie states, muses.

	Ranma stares at Chikage, second-oldest of the sisters, who presently is glancing through a text that seems to have been written around the time of the Battle of Sekigahara.  While Sakuya is the epitome of the modern, Western-orientated Japanese teen, the martial artist swore there wasn't a fun bone in Chikage's body.  She rarely spoke, even to Ataru, unless something dire was soon to happen.  She almost always had her nose in some ancient magical tome.  Her ability to "pop" out of nowhere (and scare the wits out of whoever she wanted to speak to) was second only to Yotsuba's.  And Ranma could tell Chikage was not someone you'd want to challenge.

	The others are taken aback by the sorceress' words.  "Oh, my GOD!  Did I just hear Chikage give Karen-chan a COMPLIMENT?!" Yotsuba gapes.

	Before anyone could answer, music from a fiddle echoes from the small tower Ataru used as his personal space while living on Promised Island.  "Ugh!  I just HATE this song!" Sakuya hisses through clenched teeth.

	Marie and Yotsuba begin to sing.  Ranma, whose functional English was (regardless of Genma's efforts otherwise) honed on the road, listens in...

The sun is sinking low in the sky above Ashokan,
The pines and the willows know soon we will part.
There's a whisper in the wind of promises unspoken,
And a love that will always remain in my heart.

My thoughts will return to the sound of your laughter,
The magic of moving as one.
And a time we'll remember long ever after
The moonlight and music and dancing are done.

	Will we climb the hills once more?
	Will we walk the woods together?
	Will I feel you holding me close once again?
	Will every song we've sung stay with us forever?
	Will you dance in my dreams or my arms until then?

Under the moon the mountains lie sleeping,
Over the lake the stars shine.
They wonder if you and I will be keeping
The magic and music, or leave them behind.

	Will we climb the hills once more?
	Will we walk the woods together?
	Will I feel you holding me close once again?
	Will every song we've sung stay with us forever?
	Will you dance in my dreams or my arms until then?

Under the moon the mountains lie sleeping,
Over the lake the stars shine.
They wonder if you and I will be keeping
The magic and music, or leave them behind.

The sun is sinking low in the sky above Ashokan,
The pines and the willows know soon we will part.
There's a whisper in the wind of promises unspoken,
And a love that will always remain in my heart.

My thoughts will return to the sound of your laughter,
The magic of moving as one.
And a time we'll remember -- long ever after
The moonlight and music and dancing are done.

	"I never knew he played the fiddle," Ranma hums.  "Where'd he learn?"

	"When he and Negako-aneuesama were staying in that awful Sanctuary place," Marie explains, gently shifting the thick braid of raven-black hair over one shoulder.  Her other hand gently strokes the neck fur of her beloved dog, Michael.  "Negako-aneuesama taught Aniue-sama how to play the violin and the saxophone, too.  The 'reason' was to teach Aniue-sama how to interpret minuscule changes in sound, thus honing his ability to pick up different sounds at nighttime, when his visual sense would be limited.  Personally, I believe it was meant to allow Aniue-sama a chance to express his heart when he doesn't want to say what he feels."

	"I just wish he didn't play that damned song," Sakuya mutters.

	"Why do you hate it so much?" Ranma stares at her.

	"It makes Onii-sama CRY, that's why!!"

	"Ani-kun needs the chance to let the pain in his heart go, Sakuya."

	Eyes turn to Chikage.  "There's something you're not telling us there about what Anii did, Chikage.  Is there?" Mamoru crosses her arms.

	Chikage sighs.  "You are not ready to hear this.  I know the basics of what happened.  Believe me, even *I* would not wish to know more."

	With that, she walks out of the room.  The others watch her go, some shivering as Chikage's words roll through their minds.  "Hey, wait!" Ranma rises, jogging after the sorceress.  "Chikage, hold up there!"

	The others watch her go.  "There's no way Chikage'd even tell Onee-chama about that.  Is there?" Kaho wonders.

	"Who knows," Sakuya sighs, shrugging...

*    *    *

	Nerima, the Tendou dojo, next morning...

	"You feeling okay there, Onee-chan?"

	Kasumi blinks, then stares absently at her cup of tea.  "No," she shakes her head.  "I can't believe I lost control like that yesterday."

	Nabiki gazes at her, then shrugs.  "It was bound to happen sooner or later, Onee-chan," she sips her own tea cup.  "If we didn't do something to break Akane from her moronic little delusions, who knows what could happen to her in the future.  Besides, you explained everything to her, including what Negako-san did.  She had no call to lash out at you."

	"Still..."

	"Oh, relax!" Nabiki finishes her tea, then rises.  "'Scuse me for a moment there, Onee-chan.  I'm gonna try out the gi Negako-san gave me."

	Kasumi watches her go, then feels a smile cross her face.  Oh, it was SO nice that Negako Moroboshi was willing to help Nabiki regain the use of her martial art skills.  A frown then turns her lips.  If that did happen, would their father be tempted to force Nabiki into another engagement with Ranma?  What would happen then?  How would Ranma react?  Or Akane?

	A moment later, footsteps herald Nabiki's return to the living room.  "Oh, my!" Kasumi gasps on seeing her sister clad in a plain black gi, a white belt wrapped around her waist.  "Nabiki, you look wonderful!"

	"Thanks," Nabiki sits at the table.

	Kasumi looks again before blinking.  "But why a white belt?  You made it to sixth kyu before you were forced to stop."  The Tendou school, since it always emphasized on unarmed combat forms, followed the Shokotan karate ranking system.  Sixth kyu was symbolized by a green belt.

	Nabiki smirks.  "Well, Negako-san's Art only has three grades.  Four if you acknowledge the grandmistress as a separate rank.  You either know how to teach the forms, simply know the forms or you don't know the forms.  Since I don't..." she points to the white belt.

	"Oh, I see," Kasumi nods.  "Well, will you be back by lunch?"

	"Dunno.  If I can, I want to get some training beforehand.  If you want, set something aside and I'll have it when I come back, okay?"

	"Alright.  Be careful."

	"I'll be fine."

	Nabiki gets her gym bag, then heads out...

*    *    *

	Nearby...

	"Oh, it's so wonderful that my daughter is studying the Ar-...!"

	Genma claps Souun's mouth shut.  The fathers were hiding behind the corner post of the property fence, watching Nabiki head to the northern areas of Nerima.  "Be quiet, Tendou-kun!" the former hisses.  "I need to follow her so I can find that damned woman who's taken my son away.  I'll be back as soon as I've set this whole damned mess straight."

	Souun nods, then when Genma pulls his hand away, whispers, "Be careful, Saotome-kun.  If the Master actually respects this woman..."

	"Feh!" Genma snorts derisively.  "No doubt, she's a real beauty to keep distracting the Master like that.  I'll be back."

	Souun watches as Genma literally fades from view, cloaking himself in the null-chi shield of the Umisenken.  Gulping, the Tendou patriarch nods, making a faint wave with his hand.  "Good luck, Saotome-kun."

	No answer responds as Genma scoots down the street, keeping within sight of Nabiki.  That the middle Tendou daughter had decided to seek help in getting herself back into shape, resume studying the Art, wasn't Genma's concern.  Still, if Ranma had come to the point where any trust towards Akane had been washed away, having Nabiki step into Akane's shoes would be a very smart thing when it came to finally uniting the schools of Musabetsu Kakutou-ryuu.  That would have to be addressed in the future, Genma knew.  Getting Ranma back under his father's control was the immediate problem.

	He couldn't understand why Nodoka was so upset over finding out about Genma's dulling of their son's brain years ago.  It was necessary.  Back when he was a child, Ranma was an information sieve, displaying an aptitude towards learning some would call prodigal.  But the boy had no discipline.  Whatever caught Ranma's interest would take all his spare time, time Genma wanted to use to keep training him in the Art.  Even more so (or so it seemed to Genma), Nodoka encouraged Ranma to explore things which, as Genma saw it, had utterly no relevance to his true destiny:  becoming the best martial artist in the world and carrying on the Saotome-ryuu.

	Yes, Genma knew he made mistakes when it came to Ranma's upbringing and training.  The Neko-ken and Jusenkyou were certainly total flops.  And if supposedly this Negako Moroboshi had the skill to help Ranma overcome his ailurophobia, so much the better.  But to allow Ranma, to ENCOURAGE him, to study things that would distract him from the martial arts?!  To actually coddle the boy to the point where, to heal potential brain damage (Genma didn't believe that stupid excuse in an instant!), Ranma could be made to lash out at everyone around him, even those he should trust like his now ex-fiancee?!  Much less his own father?!  Certainly NOT!

	No!

	He had to do this right.  Surprise the stupid girl -- she was actually said to be a GRANDMISTRESS?!  Hah!!  That was a joke! -- with his skill and experience, then force her into a challenge.  Once he'd beaten her and made her repent, he'd make her undo all she had done on Ranma.  He'd then trick her into getting rid of Ranma's ailurophobia.  And if she had a possible cure to Jusenkyou, even better!

	Then, THEN, everything would be right back on schedule...

*    *    *

	The Moroboshi home...

	"It appears, Ane-kun, you're about to have an unwelcome visitor."

	"So I noticed," Negako sips her tea.  Chikage had teleported from Promised Island at Ataru's request to "look in on his other sister."  While Ataru knew that Negako could certainly take care of herself, he also didn't want Ranma to nose in on his personal business, especially when it came to Ataru's own training journey through Sanctuary.  Besides, Chikage found Negako to be more agreeable company than any of the other sisters on Promised Island.  "Genma believes he can best me by using his chi-cloaking technique to catch me in a 'surprise attack?'  Fool."

	"Genma's desire to keep manipulating Ranma-anekun's life for his own purposes is all-consuming," the sorceress warns, sipping her own cup of tea.  "It is a wonder to me why he took off on all those silly tangents like engaging Ranma-anekun to those other women, not to mention allowing Ranma-anekun to develop such a strong sense of honour and self-confidence."

	"Because he believes in his own invincibility, Chikage," Negako rises, walking towards the front door.  "I think it is time to thoroughly shake that belief.  I will return in a short while, Chikage."

	The grandmistress steps out...

*    *    *

	Nearby...

	"Nabiki Tendou, a fair morning to you."

	Nabiki stops, then turns to see Tatewaki Kunou step out from a side street, the "Blue Thunder's" ever-trusty bokken in hand.  Sasuke remains in his place, two paces behind his master.  "Good morning to you, Kunou-chan," she smirks.  "Out for a little morning constitutional?"

	"Yes.  It seems a fair morning and I decided it was time to grace the many parts of our home ward with my shining presence," the kendoist answers with his usual grave honesty, then he notices Nabiki's mode of dress.  "As far as I recall, Nabiki-san, you were medically forbidden to continue in the martial arts.  Why are you dressed like that?  And why are you wearing the belt of a ninth-kyu student?  You are sixth-kyu!"

	"Why, thank you very much, Kunou-chan," Nabiki beams.  "But, sadly, the person who's getting my shoulders back in gear again practices an Art which only acknowledges three ranks:  genin, chuunin and jonin."

	"A ninjitsu school, Nabiki-sama?!" Sasuke blinks, recognizing the classic three levels practitioners of the shadow arts acknowledged.

	"Saikoo Jinseijitsu-ryuu, to be exact."

	Kunou's ninja retainer blinks, his jaw dropping in shock, then a delighted smile crosses his face.  "Then, I dare say congratulations are in order, Nabiki-sama!" he bows his head.  "I trust you will do well."

	"Sasuke, what are you NOT telling me?" Kunou's eyes narrow.

	The ninja jolts, then he sighs, bowing his head apologetically.  "I'm sorry, Master.  I never told you about this because I never suspected I'd encounter a potential student of Saikoo Jinseijitsu-ryuu in my lifetime.  You see (though this is NEVER spoken outside ninjitsu circles), Saikoo Jinseijitsu-ryuu is the brother school of the Hosan Tensei-ryuu."

	Silence.

	Kunou stares at his retainer.  "Master Hosan's school?!"

	"Holy shit...!" Nabiki gapes.

	"It is true, Nabiki-sama," Sasuke chuckles...

*    *    *

	*WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?!?!  THAT'S IMPOSSIBLE!!!*

	Still cloaked by the Umisenken, Genma is trying not to break his concentration as his ears register what is being said between Nabiki, Kunou and Sasuke.  Why...?  To believe that an Art run by the MOROBOSHI family of all the families and clans in Japan...?!  Actually started by HIM?!!

	Genma's eyes narrow as he strains to listen further...

*    *    *

	"So Master Hosan took pity on Ataru-kun's ancestors by giving them the gift to create the Saikoo Jinseijitsu database, right?!"

	"You know of that?!" Sasuke gapes, staring wide-eyed at Nabiki.

	"Hai, I do.  I even know that said database morphed into a fully free-thinking being around 1805 or so, then caused all that garbage up in Hokkaido that NEVER gets into the history books," Nabiki adds.

	"I never knew that!" Kunou asserts.

	Sasuke chuckles.  "Sadly, Master, that particular incident is, for all practitioners of ninjitsu, a very embarrassing thing to remember!"

	Nabiki hums.  "Well then, Sasuke-san, I bet you didn't know about *recent* developments concerning that database, ne?"

	The ninja blinks, then hums.  "Well, I do know that the Moroboshi Clan lost track of it around twenty years or so..."

	"Ah, but I do know something," Nabiki winks.  "You see, the database wound up in the head of a six-year old boy around eleven years ago."

	Sasuke gasps.  "How HORRIBLE!!!  Is the child alright?!"

	"Oh, he's okay," Nabiki assures him.  "You see, six years LATER, some of the Moroboshi Clan's friends from some planet out there -- Zephyrus, was it? -- discovered the database was in the boy's mind.  Then, when he was asked what should be done, he said this:  'Let her have her own life.'"

	Sasuke nearly passes out.  "Was he insane...?!"

	"No.  If you ask people like Happousai-jiichan, the boy made the right and JUST decision even if he ended up suffering big-time afterward.  However, I am happy to report that his sufferings ended some weeks ago."

	Kunou, who (despite his own blind eye when it came to things like Ranma's curse) was not as dumb as some might think, blinks as realization dawns.  "Nabiki Tendou, are you stating that the boy who last carried this ninjitsu 'database' is none other than Ataru Moroboshi himself?!"

	"Why, Kunou-chan, you smart guy!!" Nabiki gasps, then gently pats his shoulder.  "Nothing gets by you, doesn't it?!"

	"But of course!" Kunou proudly nods.

	"Oh, so that's how Ataru-san was able to assist in saving lives on Monday morning!" Sasuke beams, then to Kunou's and Nabiki's total surprise, falls to his knees and begins to perform a perfect Souun Tendou bawl.

	"Sasuke!!!" Kunou screams, moving to thwack his ninja with his bokken, then jolts as a slender hand stops the wooden practice blade.  "Who...?!" the kendoist turns, then his voice dries up in his throat.

	"Oh, Negako-san, ohayou!" Nabiki smiles.

	Sasuke spins around to see Negako standing calmly there.  When her chi signature registers, he instantly prostrates himself.  "***SHIHAN-OMEGAMISAMA!!!!  PLEASE, FORGIVE THIS HONOURLESS ONE FOR NOT...!!!***"

	A tap on a shiatsu point makes Sasuke pass out.  Negako sighs, then straightens herself.  "Why'd you stop him?" Nabiki asks, she desperately trying not to collapse on her butt laughing her heart out.

	"Because I detest the title 'shihan' even more than 'sensei,' Nabiki.  I believe I made that clear last night when you and Nodoka visited," Negako sighs, letting go of Kunou's bokken, then relaxing.

	Nabiki nods.  The title "shihan" (freely translated into English as "teacher of teachers," though "grandmaster"/"grandmistress" would also fit) was reserved for those who achieved a sixth-dan ranking in their Art.  Happousai would be called that.  Then, tacking on the terms "o" (great) and "megami-sama" (goddess/divinely inspired one)...?!  "Ah, yah!!  Right!"

	"In the meantime, a day of neural repair and training assessment awaits you at my home," Negako waves Nabiki with her, then pauses, turning to Kunou.  "Tatewaki, I have need of your bokken for a moment."

	"Er...?!" the usually verbose kendoist is, for once, speechless at Sasuke's show of such extreme respect for one who (to Kunou) appears to be a woman Kasumi Tendou's age.  "May I ask why...?"

	"You desire the one you call 'Osagi-no-Onna,' correct?" Negako asks.

	Kunou jolts, then nods.  "Yes, of course I do!!"

	"And you consistently accuse Ranma Saotome of always preventing that girl from properly returning your affections, correct?"

	"Yes!!" Kunou nods more firmly.

	"Very well.  I will demonstrate to you now that you are presently in grave error concerning that situation.  You see, a Saotome DOES entrap your 'Osagi-no-Onna' now even as we speak.  But be assured, it is not Ranma."

	"WHAT?!!" the kendoist roars.

	Negako lifts the bokken from his trembling hands, then she bounds straight up, angling to a location behind Nabiki.  Nabiki and Kunou turn as the grandmistress drops to the street, then lashes out with the bokken in a storm of strikes similar to what Kunou himself often used on opponents.  A surprised cry of pain bursts from thin air.  The air ITSELF fizzles, revealing a familiar form in a white gi.  "GENMA?!?!?!" Nabiki gasps.

	The Saotome patriarch collapses face-first into the street, his head and back now heavily bruised from Negako's bokken strikes.  "What vile sorcery is THIS?!!" Kunou demands.  "This is Saotome's father...!!"

	"Yes," Negako relaxes, she keeping a weather eye on Genma.  "And because Ranma recently decided to break free of his father's most vile, evil machinations when it came not JUST to the 'Osagi-no-Onna' but to Akane Tendou as well, Genma decided to follow Nabiki to my home."

	"But...?!" Kunou sputters.  "WHY?!!"

	"I volunteered my services and knowledge to help Ranma live his own life away from Genma's control.  In doing this, Ranma himself hopes that the 'Osagi-no-Onna' and Akane would be free of GENMA's spell forcing them to bow before his own son.  Or rather, should I say, his SLAVE?"  Negako walks over, returning Kunou's bokken.  "I trust we can leave the punishment of this creature to the speed and skill of one such as you, Tatewaki?"

	"You can!!" Kunou charges.  "HAVE AT THEE, YOU VILE BEAST!!!!"

	Nabiki and Negako watch as Genma, recovering from Negako's attack, is deluged by another storm of bokken strikes.  Deciding that discretion IS the better part of valour (just like he always did), Genma scrambles away, Kunou in hot pursuit.  "Do not believe that your vile magic of invisibility will stop my righteous wrath, evil monster!!!  FOR THE HONOUR OF AKANE TENDOU AND THE OSAGI-NO-ONNA!!!!  ***DIE, GENMA SAOTOME!!!***"

	They disappear around a corner.  "Come, Nabiki," Negako waves the middle Tendou daughter down the street.  "We best return to my home before Genma tries to manipulate Tatewaki into chasing him back here."

	"Right," Nabiki chuckles, falling in behind Negako.  "Gods, I can't BELIEVE you just did that!!  You played up Kunou-chan like a harp!"

	"Yes, I did, didn't I?  You know this already, Nabiki.  Delusional fools like Tatewaki are always handy to have around.  Come."

	"Hai!"

	They head off...

*    *    *

	The Tendou dojo, sometime later...

	"Saotome-kun...!"

	A badly battered Genma literally crawls onto the patio before collapsing on the shogi board.  Seeing the severity of his wounds, Souun shudders, then wails.  "Oh, the schools will NEVER be joined now...!!"

*    *    *

	The Moroboshi home, before supper...

	"Freezing Ranma-kun as a girl?!"

	"It is necessary," Negako sighs, giving Nabiki a massage as both relax in the living room.  "Ranma's life is chaotic enough as is.  Most of that is provoked by the magical aura her curse gives her, how it interacts with others, especially those with a strong emotional interest in Ranma.  The strength of that aura is directly affected by the level of concern Ranma expresses in regard to what state she is actually in.  By freezing the curse, her level of concern lessens considerably, even if she is female.  With that, the aura looses its strength.  The result being..."

	"Less chaos all around," Nabiki concludes, then nods.  "Yeah, we can certainly do with a lot less of that.  But what about Ranma-kun's mother?  She'd want him to remain as a man, not as a woman."

	"As you're well aware, Nabiki, the curse does not work that way."

	"Hai, true.  By the way, is there a cure for Jusenkyou?"

	"It depends," Negako sighs, moving to knead Nabiki's shoulders.  "The one that will work perfectly is to simply have children."

	"What?!"

	"Jusenkyou is a place of death, Nabiki.  To counter death, one must need new life.  All a cursed individual would have to do is have children to be rid of the curse.  However, it is not a permanent cure.  If the child should die before the adult, the magic reverts to the parent."

	"Ouch!" Nabiki winces.  "Yeah, Ranma-kun certainly isn't ready for children, that's for damn sure.  Especially given the way he was raised.  We better keep quiet about it, though.  Instant the two idiots and Nodoka get wind of it..." her eyes roll amusedly.

	"Agreed.  However, to more guarantee the curse's removal, there is another way to go about having children.  The cursed individual herself must bear the child.  With Ranma, that is very easy.  However..."

	"She has to be a girl to do it."

	"Exactly.  Further, since she would be bringing in life voluntarily, the curse (since it is semi-sentient) would assume Ranma would desire to remain as a girl, then freeze her forever in that form.  The exchange for that, in such a case, is that the offspring will be a boy."

	"Hmmm..." Nabiki nods.  "Wouldn't do Ranma any good."

	"Agreed."

	"Any other cures?"

	"Only one other.  The use of the soulsword to 'burn' the curse away."

	Nabiki blinks, then stares at Negako.  "Can you do that?"

	"With great difficulty, even for one such as I," the latter sighs as the former looks away.  "Remember, Jusenkyou has existed since well before the dawn of recorded human history.  I would have to spend years studying the magic of the pools to learn the exact 'frequency' of the curse that affected Ranma, thus modifying my soulsword to cancel out the curse.  But if I am off by even an iota, I could easily kill Ranma."

	"Ouch!!" Nabiki winces further.  "Not good."

	"Indeed.  So the logical solution is to help Ranma become used to being a girl, both physically AND emotionally.  There have been times, as you well know, that Ranma has been frozen in her female form.  Those times should have been taken advantage of.  They weren't, which is foolish to say the least of it, because Ranma's worldview had been so twisted and turned by Genma and, to a lesser extent, by everyone else."  With that, Negako's fingers dance over several shiatsu points.  "There, we are done.  I believe your father can begin refresher training tonight if he so chooses."

	Nabiki blinks, then slowly rises, trying not to wince as dull aches thunder through her upper body.  Once on her feet, she commences a slow stretching exercise, turning her arms and shoulders to test their full range of motion.  To her delight, the shoulder joints give even more than they had before her accident.  "Al-riiiiiiiight!" she purrs delightedly before regaining her footing.  "That's MUCH better!!"

	"Very well, then.  Demonstrate your kata."

	"Hai!"

	Nabiki assumes shizentai, the starting standing position, then begins.  Strikes, shifting her legs into various stances, kicks, defensive techniques, evasion-and-submission -- to Nabiki's surprise and delight, the years of diligent practice under her father's tutorial all flow back like a calm river filling a deep valley.  Negako remains silent, watching as Nabiki finishes her kata, assumes shizentai again, then turning to the ninjitsu grandmistress, bows formally.  "How was that?" Nabiki asks.

	Negako sighs.  "Too wasteful of energy."

	Nabiki blinks.  "Eh?"

	Negako notions for the younger woman to sit down, then she sits before her.  "The basic principle of ninjitsu is to do things WITHOUT all the 'flash' as some might say it.  There is the big mistake some of the philosophies in Musabetsu Kakutou-ryuu can provoke.  Your Art depends on adaptability, taking what outsiders teach and blending it to build one's own personal style.  But," she holds up a finger, "...the trap in that line of thought is that in your desire to copy that outside form, you don't take into account that the chi energy that outside form requires were calculated on a whole different scale of demands.  Even further, as you are forced to adjust yourself to use that outside form, you, in effect, take away chi from the forms you learned previously.  Over time, that means older skills will degrade as you, in essence, put all your emphasis on new forms."

	Nabiki hums, then blinks.  "I get it now.  Yeah, Ranma-kun does the same thing, doesn't he?  When he learned the Chestnut Fist, then later the Rising Dragon Ascension and the Mouko Takaibisha, he started emphasizing their use in his fights instead of all the basic stuff."

	"Exactly.  That she was able to adopt those manoeuvres as much as she has done speaks highly of the overall potential Ranma has.  Fortunately, the ability to adopt various martial arts manoeuvres was NOT affected by Genma.  But because Ranma's been always forced to think of nothing BUT the martial arts, she cannot conceive of trying other ways of dealing with all her problems.  That lack of flexibility would have cost her dearly in the future had I not stopped it.  It almost cost her months ago.  Your sister came within a hair's breadth of DYING in that battle with Saffron."

	Nabiki shudders, a chill warping through her.  "Right..."

	"So, once everything is repaired and Ranma can think clearly, the first thing I will do for her is to demonstrate that she is needlessly wasting energy when she is forced into battle.  Battle itself can be seen as a needless waste of energy, but given Ranma's sense of pride..."

	"'Ranma Saotome never looses a fight,'" Nabiki quotes.

	"Indeed..."

*    *    *

	The Tendou dojo, an hour later...

	"Tadaima!!"

	"Welcome back, Nabiki-chan!" Kasumi calls from the kitchen, then she comes into the living room, a tea tray in hand.  "How are things with you?"

	"Very good," Nabiki stretches her shoulders as Kasumi serves tea.  "The girl is back in gear again.  Oh, by the way, where're the idiots?"

	"Well, it appears that Kunou person decided to go chase after Uncle Saotome for some odd reason," Kasumi sighs.  "When he started to recover, all Uncle said was, 'She saw me!  She saw me!'  I don't understand what that means at all.  Otou-san took Uncle out to a bar to help him recover, so they'll be probably very hung over tomorrow morning."

	Nabiki snickers.  "Wow, I guess Negako-san really knows how to send her punches to the right target, ne?"

	"Excuse me?"

	Nabiki describes the events of that morning.  Hearing that, Kasumi tries to look neutral, but an evil grin then crosses her face.  "Please tell me you're kidding?!" she covers her mouth to hold back her laughter.

	"I kid you not, Onee-chan.  Genma's so-called 'invincible' technique just ran into the one person who can whip his butt but GOOD!!"

	Both laugh, then Kasumi notices an envelope tucked under the flap of Nabiki's gi.  "What's the letter there?" she points.

	"Oh, this?!" Nabiki pulls it out.  "It's a medical chit for Ranma-kun.  Seems he's got to stay a she for the next five weeks, maybe seven.  In fact, as far as Negako-san is concerned, it might do Ranma-kun a lot of good to make him stay as a girl for the whole of next term."

	"Why?!"

	Both turn as Nodoka descends from her guest bedroom.  "Oh, Auntie Saotome!" Kasumi smiles, preparing some tea for Ranma's mother.

	Nodoka sits down.  "What's this about Negako-san insisting that my son remain as a girl for the whole of next term?" she stares at Nabiki.

	Nabiki explains.  At the end of it, the other women sigh.  "So there is no cure for Ranma-kun," Kasumi sips her tea.

	"No practical cure, that is.  The only possibilities will require either many years to come out right OR Ranma-kun might only be cured temporarily if a child of his dies before he does.  And I know for a fact that Ranma-kun certainly is NOT ready to have kids of his own."

	"It might teach him more responsibility," Nodoka muses.

	"Perhaps," Kasumi counters.  "But then again, two questions would have to be asked before heading down that road, Auntie.  One:  is Ranma-kun psychologically ready to engage in raising children given the stunted emotional growth he endured growing up?"  Seeing Nodoka winces, Kasumi sighs.  "I'm sorry.  And two:  who would be Ranma-kun's wife in that instance?  And what would happen if Ranma-kun's other would-be wives decide to object?  Dare we place an innocent child in harm's way?  I don't believe Ranma-kun would approve of that sort of thing in the least."

	Nodoka blinks, then sighs.  "You're right about that, Kasumi-chan.  Alright, I'll speak to the school administrators tomorrow."

	The others nod...

*    *    *

	Promised Island, the next morning, after breakfast...

	"You want me to WHAT?!!"

	Everyone peeks into the recreation room at Welcome House, seeing a shivering Ranma standing by the telephone.  "What's going on?" Mamoru whispers to Kaho as the others stream into the room.

	"I think Onee-chama's mother's calling," Kaho whispers back.

	"WHY?!?!"

	Everyone jolts, leaning back as Ranma's battle aura appears, her free hand clenched tightly into a fist.  The martial artist takes a deep breath, then sighs.  "Mom, why are you doing this?!  Look, the school's already used to me gettin' frozen a couple times as a girl!  Why go THIS far?!"

	Silence as Ranma hears Nodoka's answer, then her eyebrows arch.  "By the way, does Oyaji or Akane know anythin' about this?!"

	"No," Nodoka responds after taking a deep breath.  "Further, as far as I am concerned, it is none of their business.  Dear, you may be forced to live with that curse for the rest of your life.  Who knows when the next person like this Herb fellow might come along to lock you again as a girl!  This will show you that living as a girl full-time isn't so bad."

	"But, Mom...!"

	"Dear, Genma always told you that women were weak, right?"

	"Um, yeah!" Ranma sputters.

	"And after learning of how Genma manipulated your mind before you went on your trip, do you think his opinions deserve any merit now?"

	"Hell, no!!"

	"Well, here's your chance to prove him wrong."

	Ranma blinks, then sighs.  "Okay, I'll do it.  You don't have to ask me to like it, though.  But I'll do it!"

	"Wonderful!!" Nodoka sighs.  "Now, is Sakuya-chan there?"

	"Um, yeah, just a sec'!  Sakuya!!"

	Sakuya walks up.  "What's wrong, Onee-sama?"

	"Mom wants to talk to you," Ranma hands her the receiver.

	Sakuya blinks, then takes the receiver, placing it by her ear.  "Hai, this is Sakuya.  What can I do for you, Saotome-san?"

*    *    *

	Nerima, later...

	"So Sakuya-chan will help Ranma-kun get some clothes?"

	"Hai, plus get his measurements as a girl so we can get a proper school uniform for him," Nodoka sips tea with Kasumi in the living room.  "I was hoping for the chance to help get some things for Ranma, but..."

	"It needs a little time, that's all," Kasumi soothes, then blinks as the front gate opens and closes.  "Who could...?!  Akane!"

	"Tadaima," Akane calls out as she steps onto the padio, slipping off her shoes before entering the house.  "Ohayou, Onee-chan."

	Kasumi watches as Akane heads to the stairs, not bothering to say anything more to either her or Nodoka.  The younger Tendou's right arm is in a sling, a cast keeping the bones around the elbow rigid.  Taking a step onto the staircase, Akane looks up, then stops, her jaw dropping.  "Oh, finally came back, huh?!" Nabiki saunters downstairs, now in her gi.

	Akane watches her pass, her eyes wide in disbelief, then she turns on Kasumi as Nabiki heads to the dojo.  "What's SHE doing dressed like THAT?!!" she points with her free hand to the doorway.

	"Oh, that's right, you didn't know," Kasumi lightly smiles.  "Well, Negako-san, Ataru-kun's sister, helped Nabiki-chan heal from what happened five years ago.  Nabiki-chan's going to the dojo to practice."

	Akane blinks, blinks again, then races out after her sister.  By this time, Nabiki has walked into the dojo.  Akane slows down as she comes to the door, peeking inside to see Nabiki kneeling before Souun, he himself kneeling at the head of the dojo.  "Are you ready, daughter?"

	"Hai," Nabiki nods.

	"Begin!"

	Nabiki rolls to her feet, bows again to Souun, assumes shizentai, then begins.  Akane watches, spellbound, as her sister executes what Nabiki had named "Tsuru ni Numa."  The Crane in the Swamp.  It was Nabiki's own personal kata, her "signature" kata.  One she had designed at the tender age of ten before Souun had bestowed on her the green belt.  The kata that had so entranced not just Souun, but dozens of martial arts senseis from all over Tokyo when Nabiki demonstrated it again in a tournament.

	The kata Akane came to hate with all her heart and soul.

	For it was things like the Tsuru ni Numa which drove Akane Tendou to do everything she could to excel in the martial arts herself.  To win the love and attention from her father when it seemed that he was willing to leave her in her mother's care (or after Kimiko's death, to Kasumi).  For Akane, it had been a constant struggle since she had been old enough to walk.  She wanted to prove she was as good enough in the Art as her sister, but she had to work SO hard at it.  In comparison, Nabiki then seemed as gifted as Ranma himself when it came to the Art.

	Then that day came, when the accident occurred.  The look on Nabiki's face when Toofuu Ono told her she would never be able to perform the Art again.  That had hurt Souun almost as much as loosing Kimiko not five years earlier had done.  Akane had been quick to step into Nabiki's place, to show off her own talents.  And yes, Souun had been willing to help.

	And then Ranma came...

	And then...

	Now, this...

	No...!

	"Enough!!"

	Nabiki pauses, then bows before kneeling.  Souun sighs, then states, "You have altered your form significantly, daughter."

	"Negako-san proposed..."

	"I will have her addressed properly, Nabiki," Souun interrupts.

	"She insists otherwise, Daddy."

	"And that is her right, when you train with her.  But here, you will follow the proper etiquette.  Do you understand, daughter?"

	Nabiki nods.  "Hai.  As I was saying, Moroboshi-shihan proposed several changes which will help me better execute the kata."

	*'Moroboshi-SHIHAN?!?!?!'* Akane mentally exclaims, she about to fall onto her backside in shock and disbelief.  *IMPOSSIBLE!!!!*

	"I see.  So she warned of that trap, eh?" Souun breathes out through clenched teeth, then he nods.  "Very well, then.  And yes, Moroboshi-shihan is quite correct, daughter.  I assume she will do the same with Ranma-kun?"

	"Hai, that is her first priority once she's helped Ranma-kun heal from all of Akane's mallet strikes, plus all the other garbage Ranma-kun's had to put up with since he came here," Nabiki's eyes narrow.  Oh, yes, she knew Akane was listening in.  *Time to give the princess an earful.*

	"I see," Souun nods.  "I still do not agree with the idea of having Ranma-kun's training taken over by someone other than his father, even if the person is an actually descendant of the Master Hosan..."

	*WHAT?!?!?!* Akane gasps.

	"...since that is both the Master's and Nodoka-san's decision, I have no choice but to accept it," Souun continues.

	"That would be the wisest choice," Nabiki sighs.  "Oh, I take it you haven't been told of Auntie's latest little brainstorm."

	"Being?"

	"That since Ranma-kun has to remain as a girl for the next five-to-seven weeks, Auntie agreed to a proposal Moroboshi-shihan made.  Ranma-kun will be registered as a girl full-time for the next school term at Furinkan High.  And that means EVERYTHING, Daddy!" Nabiki gently shrugs, then ticks off all the details.  "Uniform, girl's educational program, use of the girls' washroom and changeroom facilities, the whole works!"

	Akane collapses on her face, the information overload overwhelming her.  "I see..." a sweatdrop flows down Souun's hair. he scratching the side of his head.  "I dare say Saotome-kun will not like hearing that."

	"There's no choice when you get down to it," Nabiki shrugs.  "As far as Moroboshi-shihan is concerned, there is no practical cure for Jusenkyou.  And Ranma-kun HAS been frozen as a girl several times before, remember?"

	"I..." a pause, then, "Yes, you are right there."

	"So let's give Ranma-kun the chance to experience everything he can that's 'normal' for the rest of us, Daddy," Nabiki shrugs.  "I think it'll certainly wear away that super-macho attitude of his.  I mean, there can't be a successful marriage anytime in Ranma-kun's future if he keeps looking down on women like he did before, ne?  Look what happened between him and Akane.  Since Ranma-kun doesn't trust us, even his mom, when it comes to giving him any decent advice towards treating a woman right (not to mention that Akane's own behaviour helped ruin things, too), we have to show it to him.  At least, far as I know now, he's willing to go along with it."

	"Well, that's good.  No doubt, Nodoka-san coached it in the terms of a challenge.  Ranma-kun has NEVER walked away from that!"

	"Hai, true," Nabiki nods.  "Maybe we should just stow talk about marriage for the time being.  The last few weeks've shown that no one's ready to face that issue at all.  In the meantime, I'm going over to visit Moroboshi-shihan.  If you'll excuse me, Daddy..." she rises.

	Bowing to the dojo spirit, she turns to leave, then stops, glancing over her shoulder at Souun.  "Oh, by the way.  If Uncle Saotome tries to railroad you into another idiot marriage attempt, Daddy, warn him that I'll make DAMN sure he becomes the next exhibit at the Tokyo Zoo, okay?!"

	"Nabiki...!" Souun sweats.

	"It's the only way he'll learn, Dad," Nabiki sighs, bowing again to the dojo, then she steps out.  Passing by Akane, she hums.  "Heard enough there, Akane-chan?" she quips, then heads into the house.

	Akane doesn't respond...

*    *    *

	Promised Island, after lunch...

	"Now THAT looks sharp!"

	Ranma is trying not to blush TOO much on seeing the very beautiful young woman staring back at her from a mirror.  Along with Ataru and all the sisters save Chikage, Ranma stands in the ladies' section of the island's main department store.  Fortunately for them all (even though Ranma would automatically disagree), the selection is first rate.  Sakuya, as the one with the best fashion sense, was directing the trip.

	Presently, Ranma is wearing a frilly white button shirt with long sleeves, that over a pair of stylish blue jeans held up by suspenders (the jeans were tight enough to not fall off in case Ranma lost them).  Brown slip-on boots finished it.  "Yeah, it does, doesn't it?" she hums.

	"Okay, then!" Sakuya smiles.  "Onii-sama?!"

	Ranma turns so she can show herself off to Ataru.  A wolf-whistle responds.  "Damn, that is very pleasing to this boy's eyes," he sighs.

	"And it's not so suggestive that some of those perverts you deal with in Nerima'll be all over you like barnacles on a ship," Mamoru adds.

	"True," Ranma looks again in the mirror, then she shrugs.  "Then again, Mamoru, some of the perverts I have to deal with are of the type who'd think that I'd look great just wearing a garbage bag."

	"I still say a hakama is the best thing to wear," Haruka notes.

	Eyes lock on the lone martial artist among Ataru's half-sisters.  Haruka is a woman Chikage's and Sakuya's height (not surprising since the three were the same age), keeping her long black hair in a high ponytail.  She normally wore a light pink top over a black hakama when she wasn't attending school.  "Thanks but no thanks, Haruka-chan," Ranma rolls her eyes.  "We already got one nut at the school who wears a hakama even when he's supposed to be wearing a school uniform.  I don't EVER want to be associated with a dork like Kunou.  Trust me on this one."

	"Besides, given the aerial nature of Ranma's Art, Haruka-chan, a hakama might actually restrict some movement," Ataru adds.

	"I..." Haruka blinks, then sighs.  "Well, if you say so..."

	"I got them!!"

	Eyes turn as Kaho runs up, a small shopping basket in hand.  In the basket are ten pairs of socks, all white but bordered with a mixture of prancing stallions and orchid vines.  "See!" she shows them to Ranma.

	Ranma looks.  "Oi, those look great, Kaho-chan!  Thanks!!" she takes the cart, then hands it to Marie, who loads them into a buggy.

	"What about pyjamas?  Where's Yotsuba?!" Sakuya wonders.

	"Found them!" Yotsuba runs up, three packages holding button pyjamas in hand.  As red as Ranma's hair, they also have a horse motif.

	"Great!!" Sakuya waves her half-sister to Marie's cart, then once they're loaded in, she turns back to Ranma.  "So we got everything we need except for swimsuits.  Are you sure you don't want any, Onee-sama?"

	"Nah, I already got a couple pair for when I have to go swimming in school," Ranma nods.  "And since I don't go displaying myself on a beach, what's the use of getting a swimsuit you can't swim in?"

	"We should go easy on that for now, Sakuya-chan," Ataru advices.

	With that, sales tags are taken and the cart is sent to the cashier for payment.  Ranma walks alongside Ataru.  "I still don't like this," the former sighs.  "I mean, all I really need when I go to school are my normal clothes, even if I'm stuck as a girl.  They don't mind that."

	"True, but if you can show you can adopt to a situation like being frozen as a girl for a long period of time, then people won't do what the tomboy did and start thinking of you as a pervert," the latter smirks, then leans up to her.  "By the way, there's an extra benefit to this."

	"What's that?"

	"Simple," Ataru grins.  "If Akane thinks everything you do is perverted to one degree or another AND if she's impressed all your female classmates with that viewpoint, what BETTER way to blow it clear out of the water than to show you can perform around girls without copping feels?!"

	Ranma bristles.  "Hey!!  I don't do that!!!"

	"Yeah, but Akane THINKS you do that all the time!  And if you show that you don't do that to Akane's classmates...!" Ataru holds up a finger.

	A blank look crosses Ranma's face.  "What?!"

	"Simple.  Akane'll then be shown for what she really is:  a little sucky-baby princess who is ALSO a bully AND a two-faced liar."  On seeing Ranma's eyes widen from those insults, he sighs.  "Oh, hell!  Who knows?  Maybe you'll finally get some real friends out of the deal, especially among the girls.  If they see you can treat them with respect AND as equals, they'll treat you the same way.  That's the way to do it, man."

	"Well..." Ranma sighs, then waits as Ataru pulls out some money to pay for the clothes.  "If you think that's for the best."

	"Trust me, it IS for the best," Ataru winks.

	Ranma nods.  The clothes are packed up, some of the sisters fighting over the right to carry them off.  As everyone heads back to Welcome House, Sakuya falls back to walk with Ataru.  Noting that Ranma was discussing something with Karen a safe distance away, the eldest of the sisters leans over to whisper in Ataru's ear, "Onii-sama, do you think Onee-sama's ever got a chance to hear the 'birds and the bees' talk yet?"

	Ataru blinks, then hums before shaking his head.  "From his father?  Definitely not.  And I don't think his mother's considered it, either."

	"You want me to handle it?"

	"Yeah..."

*    *    *

	Nerima, the Nerima Ginza, next morning after breakfast...

	"You have GOT to be kidding me?!!"

	Sayuri and Yuka stare wide-eyed at Akane as the three relax in an ice cream shop at one corner of the Ginza.  "It's true," the latter sighs, staring at her parfait.  "Somehow, this woman persuaded Auntie that it would be to that baka's 'better interest' if he spent the next term as a girl.  And not just in girl-form, but attending the girls' classes, dressing in a girls' uniform, doing girls' phys-ed..."

	"Oh, gods!!" Sayuri moans, slapping her forehead.  "Who's the bigger lunkhead in that family, anyway?!  Ranma or his moronic parents?!"

	"I personally think it's Ranma-kun's father that's to blame for all the things that've gone wrong in his life," Yuka sips her juice.

	"Oh, be SERIOUS, Yuka-chan!!" Sayuri glares at her best friend.  "Do you really think the rest of the class'd go for that?!!"

	"They won't have a choice about it in the end, Sayuri-chan," Yuka sighs.  "Akane-chan found that out the hard way on Wednesday.  Do you think this Negako girl'll turn off whatever she did to Ranma-kun just so that we can try to hurt him?  I really don't think so.  The instant the first girl tries to douse him with hot water, I'll lay bets she'll get a quick tour of the school pool after Ranma-kun PITCHES her there!  Count on it!!"

	Sayuri pales.  "Saotome would NEVER do that!!"

	"Yeah, but we all thought Ranma-kun would never HIT a girl, either.  Akane-chan found out that was wrong, remember?" Yuka indicates Akane.

	Akane winces, then sighs.  "I still think that woman did something to Ranma to make him do all that to me.  Even if she played around with his shiatsu points to help him protect himself, he wouldn't've gone as far as he did with me.  That wasn't Ranma, not the Ranma I know!"

	"Maybe, sugar, it's high time for you to realize Ran-chan doesn't like you anymore," a strange voice then hails.

	"Ukyou-san!" Yuka turns as the chef comes up.

	"What does THAT mean?!" Akane shivers, bolting to her feet.

	"Relax, Akane.  You got a broken wing there, remember?" Ukyou points to Akane's wrapped extremity, then she leans on Yuka's chair.  "Couldn't help but overhear what you guys were talking about, so I decided to butt in and set the record straight since YOU..." her eyes stare burning daggers into Akane's, "...always twist it around just so you can blame Ran-chan for all the crap that happens, just like you've always done with him."

	"That's not true!!!" Akane snaps.

	"Oh, please!  Spare me!" Ukyou snorts.  "You know, sugar, you're partially right when it comes to what Negako-san did to Ran-chan.  Ran-chan still has the choice to not hurt those he still likes.  Yet he, after you tried to POISON him again, went to town on YOU!  Guess he doesn't like you anymore, Akane.  Can't say you don't deserve that, because after all the shit you've caused him, you do.  You really do."

	Akane snarls, trying desperately not to give into her heart's desire and rip Ukyou's throat out.  "Hey!" Sayuri bolts up.  "You got some nerve saying that to Akane-chan, you...!!  Urk!!!"

	The sharp end of Ukyou's combat spatula now hovers an inch from Sayuri's throat.  "You are in harm's way, girl," the chef glares at the other teen, causing Sayuri to wilt.  "I saw what Kasumi did to you when you were visitin' Akane here.  Can't say you didn't deserve that, 'cause you sure as hell did.  None of you've got the right to go callin' Ran-chan a pervert, ESPECIALLY psychopathic maniacs like you!!" she turns to Akane.

	With that, Ukyou walks off.  Akane watches her go, then spits out, "What does a cross-dressing freak like you know, Kuonji?!!"

	"That's telling her, Akane-chan!" Sayuri nods.

	Ukyou pauses, then glances over her shoulder at Akane.  "I hate to tell you this, sugar, but you are OUT of Ran-chan's life once and for all.  And I KNOW for a fact that there's NO way in hell that Ran-chan'll marry either of your sisters.  Shampoo ain't much of a problem and that psycho Kodachi ain't, either!  Which means I win in the end, Akane.  And if Ran-chan's mom decided to press him into marryin' Kasumi or Nabiki, I know he'll renounce her right then and there.  And if that happens, I STILL win.  You ain't got nothin', Akane.  And when you finally decide to put blame on how badly your life's been wrecked because you blinded yourself for so long, sugar, take my advice and take a LONG look in your mirror!"

	She heads off.  Akane shudders, then sinks into her chair.  "What a bitch!!" Sayuri snarls, then stares at Yuka.  "What do you think?"

	Yuka blinks, then shrugs.  "Doesn't matter, because she's probably thinking the same thing about us," she sips the rest of her drink, then rises.  "I've got to get some things.  I'll see you guys later, okay?"

	"Okay, Yuka-chan!" Sayuri and Akane wave.

	Yuka heads off.  As soon as she is in the main pedestrian pathway weaving through the heart of the Ginza, she looks around.  Spotting Ukyou via her spatula, Yuka moves to follow.  A glance back reveals that Sayuri and Akane were no doubt still drinking their drinks and thinking dark thoughts about a lot of people, chief of which was Ranma Saotome.  Shaking her head, Yuka turns to pursuing Ukyou from the Ginza.  Within minutes, the two have wound their way towards the northern end of the district.  Yuka remains far back enough from Ukyou to ensure that if the chef had turned around, she could quickly duck out of sight.  No doubt, Ukyou would not take too lightly to being followed, especially by someone who was a close friend of a former rival for the pigtailed martial artist's love.

	One who was now wondering if that friendship was actually worth it.

	Unlike Sayuri, Yuka had -- not once, not twice, but THREE times! -- been at the receiving end of Mallet-sama.  All three times occurred before Ranma's arrival.  All three times could've been classified as "accidents" given that Akane just lost it, lashing out mindlessly, heedless of who might be close to her.  And all three times had been instigated in the long run by Kunou and the kendoist's insane interest in Akane.

	The first time had been when Kunou had been particularly obnoxious in the aftermath of his morning "duel" with Akane.  The whole of Class 1-F had, late one morning, been deluged with a sea of beautiful roses.  How Kunou hoped to "overwhelm" Akane with his love using all those roses, Yuka had NO idea whatsoever.  What DID happen was that two male students in the class were allergic to the flowers.  Their allergies nearly caused both to die in the classroom.  Akane confronted Kunou about it.  Naturally, the insensitive bastard scoffed at what happened.  After all, those two fellows might've tried to take "his" Akane away from Kunou!  Out came Mallet-sama, Akane sending Kunou into orbit.  Yuka had been caught in the back swing.

	The second incident came the morning after Kunou's moronic speech that started "the Fight," the morning Let's-Beat-Akane-So-We-Can-Date-Her ritual which was stopped finally by Ranma's arrival.  Those students who had not been clobbered aside by Akane when she passed through the front gates followed her to Class 1-F.  Kunou, sure enough, was there egging those morons on.  Akane, realizing the whole classroom would be wrecked if this didn't stop right away, yanked out Mallet-sama and went to town.  A member of the kendo team got Akane in her arm, causing the mallet to fly into Yuka's face.  Kunou went after his subordinate for his "impudence," getting a kick in the ass from Akane that sent him into LEO.

	The damage to the school, Yuka later mused, must've equalled what might be an average day at Tomobiki High with the aliens present.

	The third incident happened the next morning.  The school authorities made DAMN sure the Fight would only happen outside (they locked up all the doors, forbidding anyone from entering until the Fight was done).  Deciding she didn't want to be late, Akane went after the boys with Mallet-sama since using the mallet got the fight over faster.  But Kunou had an extra surprise for his "beloved;" one of the kendo team called the Tendou home to have Souun come while the fight was going on.  Sure enough, with Akane cleaning house, Souun arrives.  Horrified that his daughter was resorting to a WEAPON, Akane's father yanked Mallet-sama out of her hands.  It was flung aside, hitting Yuka in the stomach.  Before Akane could scream at her father for butting in, Kunou was all over her.  Souun sent him into orbit.

	After that incident, Souun tried to get the school authorities to stop the Fight altogether.  Even if it was good martial arts practice, there was just NO WAY he was going to see his child abused like THAT!

	No such luck.

	Kunou's father was off in Hawaii at the time.  There, the Furinkan High staff wanted the lunatic to stay.  And if Kunou was forced to call on his father for help in dealing with Souun...?  And if Kunou wanted to block any transfer attempt by Akane so she could get away from him...?

	No such luck.

	Yuka sighs.  It was a good thing that Souun decided to beef up Akane's training so she didn't have to resort to Mallet-sama AND she could still lay low the whole lot facing her every morning, even Kunou.  And it was a VERY good thing that Ranma soon came to Nerima, thus making it obvious to the idiots involved in the Fight that they were standing in harm's way.  That didn't mention Kunou's willingness to change targets after Akane's and Ranma's engagement became public knowledge.

	And now...?

	Yuka takes another deep breath.  Once news of the annulment of the engagement between Akane and Ranma became public, the Fight was most likely on again.  Would Kunou's father put a stop to it or egg it on?  Would Ranma be willing to defend Akane now?  Would Kunou, in his blind madness over the "pig-tailed girl," target the Fight on Ranma, especially with her spending a whole school term as a girl?  Geez, how worse can it get...?

	"Genma."

	Yuka stops, then spins around to see a woman in a black gi dropping Ukyou's combat spatula in an overhead strike.  The spatula hits something invisible.  Which then becomes something visible.  "Gods...!!" Yuka gasps as a dazed Genma Saotome crashes face-first into the ground.

	"You were being followed, sugar," Ukyou appears behind Yuka, causing the poor girl to cry out in shock.  "Looks like Ran-chan's dumb fool of an old man can't accept there's a better martial arts teacher in town."

	Yuka turns back to see Genma being hefted single-handedly off the ground, then pitched in the direction of the Tendou dojo.  Negako watches him fade into the distance, then aims her left index finger.

	"***SEISHIN REEZAA KOOSEN!!!!***"

	A bolt of starlight lashes out, hitting Genma square on.  He screams, then falls straight down.  A *splash!* later echoes a geyser of water rising from a nearby creek.  "Bull's eye!!!" Ukyou whoops, then walks over to take her combat spatula back.  "Negako-san, you do that very nicely!"

	"Naturally," Negako hands the spatula over, then gazes at Yuka.  "It appears, Ukyou, we have someone here who may actually support Ranma and her cause more than she is willing to speak of in public, especially with people like Akane and Sayuri as her best friends."

	Ukyou blinks, then gazes at Yuka.  "This true, sugar?"

	"I..." Yuka blinks, then sighs.  "Hai."

	"Yuka has experienced being rudely introduced to Akane's chi-mallet three times, all prior to Ranma's arrival in Nerima," Negako adds.

	Yuka jolts, her eyes widening.  "***HOW DID YOU KNOW?!?!?!***"

	"Honey, you wouldn't believe the answer," Ukyou shakes her head...

*    *    *

	The Tendou dojo, an hour later...

	"Genma, I'm going to give you a little advice," Happousai gently puffs on his pipe, now sitting on a dazed panda laying by the koi pond.  "Negako-chan there has knowledge that outranks even MINE by a factor of five-to-one.  Do you HONESTLY believe you can beat someone who was created by the man who single-handedly killed off the creators of the Cat Fist?!"

	A pained moan escapes the panda, then a sign comes up.  [I WILL NOT GIVE UP!]  Before it could be twirled around, Genma passes out.

	Happousai gazes at his old student, then shakes his head, turning back to stare at the beautiful morning.  "Why is it I get to be stuck with a pair of total MORONS for students?" he mutters under his breath...

*    *    *

	The Moroboshi home...

	"So these are Ataru-kun's sisters, eh?!  Nice lookin' bunch."

	Nabiki, Ukyou, Yuka and Chigaiko Inu stare at the picture book Negako brought out displaying scenes of the Moroboshi siblings' first visit to Promised Island.  "Well, at least Ataru-kun's still got something of a family to call his own," Chigaiko sips some tea.

	"It's best they don't come here to live full-time in this place," Yuka nods in agreement.  "Could you imagine what some of the loons in this place might door to girls like Hinako-chan and Aria-chan?"

	"Much less how much Kunou-baby'd freak if he ever laid his peepers on someone like Sakuya-chan?" Ukyou points to a picture of Sakuya and Ataru in front of a chapel, a wedding going on in the background.

	"What about Kunou's father?!" Nabiki points to Sakuya's long hair.

	The other girls pale.  "If Pauline makes such an attempt on Sakuya, Ataru will be put off," Negako sips her tea.

	Everyone looks at her.  "'Pauline?!'" Ukyou demands.

	"That's the name of Tatewaki's father.  Pauline Kunou."

	Silence, then the four teens fall on their backsides laughing their butts off.  "Now I KNOW you're joking!!!" Nabiki gasps.

	"Nabiki, I have said this already:  I -- do -- NOT -- joke!" Negako lightly smiles, then returns to her tea.

	"Suuuuuuuuure, you don't!" Ukyou smirks, sitting up as she looks once more at a picture of Sakuya.  "Still, it's a good thing she ain't coming to Furinkan.  Ditto with Haruka-chan, there.  Sheesh, if these girls were MY sisters and that dork went at 'em with the shears...!"

	"You would most likely be inclined to kill him," Negako cuts in, then gazes at her guests.  "Be assured, if Pauline..." -- she ignores the snickering from Yuka and Chigaiko -- "...does think of assaulting Sakuya or Haruka in that matter, Ataru would not be inclined to kill him."

	A pause.

	"Ataru WILL kill him."

	Silence.

	"What...?" Ukyou blinks, taken aback by the ice in Negako's voice.

	Negako sets the tea cup aside.  "Ataru has killed before, Ukyou.  Several times in fact.  Like Ranma, death is no stranger to my brother."

	"No...!!"

	Eyes lock on Chigaiko, the ex-Tomobiki High student shaking her head violently.  "No!!  Ataru-kun would NEVER kill!  It's not him...!!"

	"Chigaiko," Negako fixes her with an even stare, making Chigaiko's voice dry up in her throat.  "How do you think Ataru was able to grow a full beard and moustache in just under six weeks?  It is because, in the timeline Ataru and I have lived through, it has been much more than six weeks since we departed Tomobiki after Lum was banished."

	A pause.

	"It has been ten years."

	Silence.

	"***TEN YEARS?!?!?!***" everyone screams.

	"That's impossible!!!" Nabiki exclaims.  "Geez, Ataru-kun didn't look a day over nineteen, twenty TOPS, even with the beard!!  You're saying he's twenty-seven?!  And how the hell did you squeeze ten years into a week?!!"

	"Through a pocket dimension/time-nexus called Sanctuary," Negako stares at Nabiki.  "A nexus that was created by the same race which created the Power Jewel Deannette Raeburn found in 1938 in Canada."

	Everyone blinks, then Chigaiko sighs.  "Then if you know of this place, why haven't you said anything about it?!" she demands.

	"Chigaiko, do you honestly believe that any of the races around our planet, especially Lum's, would tolerate even the IDEA of Earth having contacts with power of THAT nature?!" Negako asks.  "Why do you believe the Onis came when they did?  Years AFTER Deannette had vanished?  Years after the last metahuman who could've stopped a possible Oni invasion of Earth in its very tracks died?  Put simply, we of Earth FRIGHTEN some leaders among Lum's race, Chigaiko.  That level of power is something they know they cannot hope to control, nor manipulate to their own ends.  What happens when someone confronts a situation like that?  They then seek to destroy those who could or might decide to take that power for themselves."

	"The story of the human race," Nabiki shakes her head.  "And probably almost every other humanoid race in the galaxy, eh, Negako-san?"

	"Unfortunately," Negako sighs.  "Furthermore, Sanctuary allowed me the chance to ensure Lum (nor anyone who supports Lum) might take advantage of the Onis' time-travel devices and go back in time to alter some event or another in Ataru's life.  That, as you are aware, affects me personally."

	"Time paradoxes, right?" Yuka asks.

	"Exactly, Yuka," Negako nods.  "Further, the Onis might've been tempted to go back in time to try to thoroughly sabotage the Noukiites' war efforts against them.  When we were in Sanctuary, Ataru was able to view the whole history between Lum's people and the Noukiites.  It is somewhat akin to Japan's history concerning the Koreans, but spread over a greater period of time and exacting a heavier toll on the Noukiite race.  Put simply, Ataru developed a great sympathy for the Noukiite people, his feelings for the Onis decreasing at the same time."

	"Lum wouldn't've liked that," Chigaiko snorts.

	"True.  So, using materials we could find in Sanctuary, Ataru and I destroyed every spacializer (that's what the Onis call their time-travel machines) in one single blow.  And, it turns out, a special assault group the Onis were preparing to send to the Noukiites' capital to slay their president and senior ruling councils were in transit when we attacked."

	"What happened to them?" Nabiki wonders.

	"They were instantly transported to Sanctuary.  Ataru and I dealt with them," Negako sips her tea.  "'With extreme prejudice,' as the Americans would be so inclined to put it."

	Silence.

	"Oh, shit...!" Ukyou whistles.

	"Ataru-kun..." Chigaiko tries not to break down and cry.

	"You will find that Ataru is reluctant to speak about certain parts of our training journey to anyone, even his sisters," Negako waves to the photo album.  "He would appreciate it if you kept your inquires about what we did to a minimum since he himself needs time to recover from what he has endured.  I warn you all not to push your luck on this matter."

	"Warning taken," Ukyou nods.

	"Gotcha," Nabiki adds, then sighs.  "So why Nerima?"

	"Why did we come here?" Negako's eyebrow arches, then she sighs.  "Two reasons.  First, it is not Tomobiki.  There is no blind lust for Lum from any of the men here.  Could you imagine what might've happened if Ataru did return to Tomobiki and news of Lum's death would've broken out?"

	"Oh, boy!!  Megane and his morons'd go ballistic!" Chigaiko rolls her eyes, then launches into a plausible Aisuru Megane imitation.  "Ataru, you two-timing bastard?!!  Where were you when Lum-san needed you to be at her side?!!  How DARE you abandon her in her great time of need?!!"

	"He was like that?" Ukyou blinks.

	"ALL the time," Chigaiko shakes her head.

	"Agreed," Negako smiles.  "Second, the presence of many high-calibre martial artists would allow Ataru a chance to maintain his skills and training PLUS allow him to vent off his frustrations at the same time."

	"Yeah, we got our own idiots, don't we?" Ukyou snickers.

	"Kunou-chan, Hibiki, Pantyhose Tarou whenever he comes through town, all the other weirdos..." Nabiki smirks, shaking her head.

	The others nod...

*    *    *

	Promised Island, after lunch...

	"Damn that Oyaji..."

	Sakuya stares sympathetically at Ranma, both now relaxing in the latter's guest room at Welcome House.  "I'm sorry, Onee-sama," the former places a sympathetic hand on Ranma's shoulder.  "I mean, Onii-sama told me your dad was a lunkhead and all that, but I'd believe that if he wanted you to marry this Akane girl, he should've given you some warning..."

	Ranma shakes her head, then rises, staring out the window at the courtyard.  "Yeah, I know," she breathes out, then gazes down at her own stomach.  "I can't believe it.  I mean, I never really sat back and thought about it.  I..." her hand falls on her navel.  "I can create a life right here if I wanted to.  I..." a shaky breath escapes her.  "Oh, man..."

	"Yeah, it's really something, isn't it?" Sakuya rises, moving to stand beside Ranma.  "And your dad always said 'women are weak?'  What a dork!  He doesn't know anything at all, does he?"

	A snort.  "More like he doesn't CARE!" Ranma sneers, then she sighs.

	"Are you okay, Onee-sama?"

	Ranma blinks, then shakes her head.  "I dunno, Sakuya.  You know, ever since I got to Nerima and got deluged by this whole fiancee business, I've always wondered what it was really all about in the end.  I mean, Ukyou and Shampoo always say they love me.  I don't understand what love is.  Well, I think I did back in the fight against Saffron and I thought that Akane was dying!  But now, I'm not so sure!  And Akane calls me a pervert all the time, before and after Saffron.  Hell, I don't know what that is when you get down to it!!  And they expected me to get married and all that, maybe even raise some kids?!  How the hell do you do that?!!"

	Sakuya sighs, then pats Ranma's shoulder.  "Onee-sama, you're only seventeen, for Heaven's sake!  You don't have to worry about marriage and kids right now.  Most people wait until their thirty to get married.  Some don't even bother with marriage when you get down to it."

	"Yeah, but it was honour..." Ranma's voice trails off, then she shakes her head.  "Well, it WAS honour.  Now...!  I just don't know."

	"Well, let's go to the basics, then," Sakuya guides her back to the bed, then she sits in a rocking chair nearby.  "What is love?"

	Ranma blinks, then shakes her head.  "I don't know.  Or at least, I can't really describe it in words right now..."

	"Okay, then," Sakuya holds up four fingers.  "For you to say you love someone, you need four things from that someone and you have to give those four things back.  They are Truth," she drops one finger, "...Trust," down goes the second, "...Respect," the third, "...and Hope," she makes a fist.

	"Now, Truth," she holds up one finger.  "You didn't start off right because you first met Akane as a girl and you didn't consider revealing the truth about yourself until she walked in on you in the furo.  Then along comes your 'pal' Hibiki with all his stupid problems and you get shanghaied into lying to Akane about that.  Then all the lies and half-truths your dad kept from you start to pile on.  Since you weren't shown the truth about how to properly interact with people, you had no clear way to navigate yourself out of that particular mess, right?"

	"Right," Ranma nods.

	"Next comes Trust," Sakuya holds up a second finger.  "Akane assumes right from the instant she finds out about your curse that you are nothing more than a pervert.  She doesn't change that viewpoint no matter how much you try to explain things.  Put simply, she doesn't trust you.  Trust, like Truth, is a two-way street to make a relationship work.  So, it comes to the point where you no longer trust Akane to believe you.  Even after you had to KILL someone to save her life, she still doesn't trust you.

	"Then comes Respect," up goes a third finger.  "Since Akane doesn't trust you, she has no cause to respect you.  She can't accept that you are the better martial artist because you always let her into your guard and she gets away with braining you with that damned mallet of hers.  In fact, she doesn't even respect your Art itself since no one's ever forced her to see that you have to WORK to gain a skill, right?  Look, you want to learn how to play the piano, right?  You want to know how long Karen-chan's practised to get where she is right now?"

	"She told me," Ranma replies.  "Since she was eight."

	"Right.  You know that if you want to learn something, you have to work and work at it to get it right.  Akane doesn't know that, can't bring herself to accept that.  You want to know something, Onee-sama?  Akane can't respect you because deep down, she doesn't respect herself!"

	Ranma blinks.  "Yeah, that's true, ain't it?"

	"Yeah," Sakuya puts up the fourth finger.  "Now, Hope.  Tell me something, Onee-sama?  Can you see yourself sometime in the future, married to Akane, raising yours and her children, living with Akane until the day you die finally?  Can you really imagine that deep in your heart?"

	Silence, then, "Not anymore."

	Sakuya shrugs.  "Then there's no love between you, Onee-sama.  And unless those things change, there could never be any love between you."

	Ranma gazes at her, then nods...

*    *    *

	Later...

	Ranma sighs, walking along the southern seashore of Promised Island.  The moon is out tonight, a full moon, its reflected sunlight creating eerie shadows in the small town beyond First Avenue, the outer ring road.  Her right hand is held up, fingers going up and down as she runs through what Sakuya was saying, applying it to everyone else she knew.

	"Ukyou?" Ranma extends the four fingers, she gazing at them.  "Well, I tell her the truth all the time of how I feel.  She tells me the truth of how she feels.  But the messages don't get across?  She's my friend.  Is she?  I trust her..." she drops the middle finger.  "Well, I trusted her until the damned wedding when she decided to throw okonomiyaki bombs at Mom.  I respect her, but she doesn't respect my opinions, so that's out," down goes the ring finger.  "And I can't imagine marrying her.  I still see her as my buddy from when I was six.  I guess that means I don't respect her, either."  Down goes the little finger.  "And since she don't respect me and I really don't respect her, she can't understand what I'm telling her.  So truth is out," she drops the index finger.

	"Shampoo?" out go the four fingers.  "She lies to me constantly, tries to poison me with her love potions."  Down goes the index finger.  "I can't trust her 'cause her village laws don't allow that sorta thing when you get down to it.  She really doesn't trust me.  If she did, then she wouldn't be usin' love potions to hook me."  Down goes the middle finger.  "I can't respect her 'cause she don't respect me 'cause I'm a man and men don't have any sorta real rights among the Nyuchezuu."  Down goes the ring finger.  "I sure as hell can't see myself livin' with her in that village and I KNOW she can't imagine livin' anywhere else outside the village.  So hope is out," she lowers her little finger.

	"Kodachi?" out go the four fingers, then they collapse.  "Forget it."

	"Kasumi?" out go the fingers.  "She knows the truth..." Ranma then shakes her head, closing the fingers.  "Nah!  I can't think of marryin' someone I look on like a big sister!  It ain't right.  'Sides, she can't really want to stay on as a housewife!  It ain't fair to her.

	"Nabiki?" out go the fingers, then Ranma shudders.  "She don't tell me the truth.  She don't trust me.  She sure as hell doesn't respect me.  And I think I'd rather commit seppuku than marry her..."

	"There is one more, Ane-kun."

	Ranma jolts, then spins around to see Chikage standing behind her, the latter now dressed in a flowing black lace-up gown trimmed in red and white wreaths-of-laurel.  "Chikage!!!" Ranma gasps, then she calms herself.  "Shit, don't do that to me!!!  Geez, you're as bad as Yotsuba!!"

	The sorceress chuckles.  "I'm sorry, Ane-kun, but in sensing your mood, I felt you'd desire a little company."

	"I..." the martial artist blinks, then sighs.  "Um, thanks!  I..." she looks at her hand.  "I guess I got no one back in Nerima for me, eh?"

	"There is someone you might consider, Ane-kun."

	"Who?!  One of you?" Ranma quips.

	Chikage sighs.  "No, someone else."

	"Negako?!!" Ranma asks, then shudders.  "Uh-uh, no than-...!"

	"I was thinking of Ani-kun."

	Silence.

	"What?!" Ranma eeps, her eyes widening.

	"Here," Chikage sighs, reaching up to extend Ranma's fingers.  "Humour me.  Take what Sakuya told you and apply it to Ani-kun."

	"WHAT?!!" Ranma cries, then shakes her head.  "Uh-uh, no way!!  He's a man!  I'm a man, even if I'm stuck as a girl for the next two months...!"

	"Please?"

	Ranma's voice fails as she stares on Chikage.  As far as she knew, from the way Ataru and the other sisters described her, the sorceress NEVER used the word "please" when it came to ANY request she made!

	"I..." Ranma looks at her hand, then sighs.  "He tells me the truth.  But..." a pause, then she shakes her head.  "I know he's keepin' something, something BIG, from me.  But it's the something you know, right, Chikage?  Which means that it's gotta be bad.  Really bad.  I..." her ring finger wavers.  "Then than means he respects me.  He..." a pause, "He's afraid that if I learn it, I'd be scared away, right?!  I..." another pause, then, "Jeez, what would be so bad that he'd feel he'd have to do that...?"

	"Worse than your battle with Saffron," Chikage warns.  "MUCH worse."

	Ranma pauses, staring at the sorceress, then she nods.  "Oh..." she gazes on her hand.  "And..." a pause, "He trusts me to understand that, doesn't he?" she blinks, the middle finger wavering.  "He knows it's bad and that it'd blow my mind away?  He WANTS to tell me...!!" her voice then catches in her throat, then she sighs.  "But how can I make him trust me to accept what he's got to say?  I just can't walk up to him and..." another pause, then her index finger wavers.  "I can, can't I?  Or maybe he can't tell it 'cause he don't know what words to say!  Yeah, I can understand that...!" her voice then trails off, her eyes on her little finger.

	The one finger that had not moved at all.

	"I..." Ranma blinks.  "I want his friendship.  I like being with him.  I can trust him in case we get into a fight.  I want to trust him.  And to trust him, I have to respect him.  And I told him the truth about me and he's pretty much done the same about himself.  Yeah!  I can do that.  Then..." she pauses before lowering her hand.  "Friendship and love are the same, right, Chikage?" she then stares at Chikage.

	Chikage smiles.  "'Love' is a strange and fickle thing to comprehend at the best of times, Ane-kun.  There are different types of love depending on the situation, but in the end, it is the same thing.  People just find it hard for whatever reason to accept that.  After all, you can say that you love a friend.  Just as much, as deeply, as one can love a sibling, a parent..." a pause, then, "...or a potential life-mate."

	"But..." Ranma points to herself.  "I'm a guy."

	"Does that matter?  What does your birth-gender and Ani-kun's gender have to do with this?" Chikage's eyebrows arch.  "Ane-kun, there are gay couples out there who enjoy very loving relationships, relationships that endure homophobic assaults from every quarter.  There are lesbian couples that do the same thing.  There are multi-partner couples who are also in the same type of situation.  The people involved in those relationships don't find what they are in unusual.  They see it as a truly blessed thing.  In light of that, do the opinions of society as a whole matter?

	"Of course not.  You and Ani-kun are in the same basic situation.  And both of you, deep in your hearts, do not WANT to live in such a painful situation anymore.  That is what brought you together, Ane-kun.  Fate can be very fickle, but sometimes, She can be also very kind, especially to those who have suffered Her Wrath for as long as you and Ani-kun have."

	Chikage turns away, gazing at the moon above.  "You know, when he first came to this island and we started to bond as a family, Ani-kun started to have very bad nightmares.  Nightmares about all the times he felt that he was totally alone in this world.  About the times Kinshou said to his face, 'I wish you were never born!'  About the time Shinobu Miyaki walked away from him, abandoning him in all respects so she could pursue a narcissist like Shutaro Mendou.  About the time he came to believe that Lum could not accept a potential 'husband' who refused to bow to her every whim and desire.  About the time when he allowed Negako-anekun to live her own life -- and the betrayal that followed, which killed our grandmother from a broken heart.  About even the time when Nokoko-anekun disappeared after she learned that she was not Ani-kun's cousin, but his sister.

	"Every time we heard him cry, it tore into our hearts.  Even me," the sorceress' eyes closes, the eyelashes glistening with tears.  "And yes, even Negako-anekun.  Every time we looked into his room, there she was, holding his hand.  No doubt, feeling guilty over what her being tricked by Kinshou five years ago had cost him, the young man who gave the Saikoo Jinseijitsu her ultimate dream.  And it hurt, Ane-kun.  It hurt so much."  Taking a deep breath, she gazes on the moon.  "So I came out here to this beach.  And looked up.  It was a full moon.  And I prayed.  We all prayed in our chosen way.  For someone to come.  To show Ani-kun he wasn't truly alone in his sufferings.  And that someone could be with him.  And love him.  And through their shared pain, they would enjoy a shared healing.

	"And thus, Fate brought you into Ani-kun's life."

	Ranma blinks as Chikage stares at her.  "I don't know..."

	"You have a right to be unsure, Ane-kun," the sorceress nods, then draws Ranma's hand up, holding it gently between her own hands.  "But know this.  You have endured brain damage, considerable brain damage, since you were exposed to that pit of hungry animals years ago."  Sensing a shiver run through Ranma as the memories of the Neko-ken training come back, Chikage touches a shiatsu point to calm her.  "And as Negako-anekun strives to heal you, Ane-kun, you will change.  You will evolve into a whole new being.  And as you evolve, Ane-kun..." her eyes lock on Ranma's, "...you will then learn Jusenkyou's most horrible secret."

	Ranma stares at her, then squeezes her eyes closed.  "No..."

	"Ane-kun, how long after you first fell into the Nyannichuan...?" Chikage sighs.  "How long until you changed back into your birth-form?"

	"I..." Ranma sucks in her breath, then bites her lips.  Tears stream down her cheeks, unchecked.  "About..." she begins, her voice suddenly very dry, "...about twenty minutes, I think.  I..." a gulp, "...I just got so angry at Oyaji for taking me into that place, totally destroying everything he made me believe and accept as the right thing..." a shudder shakes her again as her voice starts to break, "...and I..." she blinks, "No, it was the guide.  Just after I was finally changed back, after chasin' Oyaji all over the damned place, knockin' Ryouga into that other spring..."

	A sob steals her voice as Chikage moves to comfort, shushing Ranma as she holds the weeping martial artist close.  As the strength in Ranma's body begins to fade, Chikage scoops her up, carrying her to a nearby public bench.  Sitting her down, Chikage allows Ranma to remain close, the latter sobbing as two years and more of pain and frustrations surge out of her heart.  Time becomes meaningless as Ranma weeps, the same words spoken on the plain of Jusenkyou by the guide repeating again and again...

*    *    *

	"Oh, Honoured Customer, is too late for you!"

	"What?!" a now-male Ranma demanded.

	The portly guide shook his head, drawing out his pipe as he stared out at the scattered ponds with their bamboo training sticks.  He had just poured hot water on Ranma.  Genma was off hiding somewhere, not wanting to deal with a very irate child right now.  "I no tell this before other Honoured Customer.  I think he no understand.  I also think he might hurt you, Honoured Customer, for thing that is not your fault."

	"Whaddayamean?!"

	A sigh.  "Jusenkyou give worse than body to those who no change back right away after falling into spring," the guide waved to the ponds, then shook his head again.  "Spirits of those who drown in springs still there in springs.  When someone fall in, spirits of those who drown in springs also copy into that person.  Like you, Honoured Customer."

	Ranma deflated.  "What?!" he stammered.  "Y-you mean...?"

	"I see it not happen now," the guide sighed.  "But it will happen one day soon, Honoured Customer.  For that, I am sorry.  I no can tell you unless it happen.  It part of my curse, see?"

	"N-no...!"

	The guide's eyes fell on the young man from Japan.  Who, the guide knew, would one day become a young woman, in body AND in spirit.  "No cure for that, Honoured Customer.  You have to change right away back to normal or else spirit's copy mix with your spirit.  When that happen, you become a girl in here," he pointed to his heart.  "No cure for th-..."

	"Ranma!!"

	Ranma jolted, then turned as Genma marched towards them, both backpacks in hand.  "C'mon, we're leaving!" the older martial artist waved his son with him.  "More training to do!!"

	Ranma blinked, then nodded.  "Right!"

	He jogged off...

*    *    *

	"No cure..."

	Chikage watches as Ranma slowly sits up, the latter wiping her eyes as she takes several deep breaths to compose yourself.  "Yes," the young sorceress nods.  "And one day soon, you will not only no longer DESIRE a cure, but look on your birth-form with the same disgust you once would've looked on your curse-form.  You will think yourself in your heart and soul as a woman.  How that will effect you?  Well, that is for Fate to decide.  You can run from it as long as you can, Ane-kun.  But there is no escape."

	"Why didn't it latch on then...?" Ranma wonders.

	"The damage to your mind from the Neko-ken training, then added onto by the abuse from all those you've fought in Nerima," Chikage sighs.  "Now, Ane-kun, you have a choice to make.  And it is a difficult choice, indeed:

	"Do you wish to live your life as a man?  And at the same time be forever afraid of cats?  Not have the full mental capacity you were blessed with at birth?  And perhaps one day confront someone who could easily manipulate you just like your father did for so long?

	"Or would you wish to live your life as a woman?  Heal the wounds you've suffered from for so long?  Turn Jusenkyou's curse into a gift, a gift of freedom and full control over your life?  Then embrace the gift Nature gave you at birth and ensure you remain free?"

	Silence falls as Ranma considers that, then a shudder races through her as a very dim memory suddenly comes forth.  "I useta like c-c-cats..." she stutters that one word which has haunted her nightmares for so long.  "There was this one alley c-c-cat that lived near my house.  I useta take food out to him all the time, before the trip.  I..."

	"You desired to adopt him as your pet," Chikage steps in.  "By the time you were taken from your mother by Genma, the cat had come to trust you very much.  Then you were gone.  And sadly, survival demanded that he turn his attention to more vital matters as soon as he came to realize, in his own way, that you would never come back to him."

	Ranma jolts, her eyes widen.  "You know...?"

	"Negako-anekun told me."  A pause, then, "There is more to that story.  Four years after you were taken away from your mother, yours and Genma's training voyage returned you to the Tokyo area.  That is when Genma decided it was time for you to learn the Neko-ken.  So he went far and wide, seeking out alley cats to serve as the training 'mechanism.'"

	She stops.  Ranma blinks, then pales.  "That c-c-c-cat...?"

	"Yes, he was in the pit.  But before he and you face the Neko-ken, he (along with the others) had been starved to the point where any sort of 'domestic' behaviour that might've been ingrained into him was long since gone.  All he saw when you were lowered into that pit every time was the food wrapped around you.  All he wanted at that moment was that food.  He could not recognize you at all because his hunger blinded him to EVERYTHING but the food.  And that is what he went after.  As did they all."

	Silence falls as Ranma shudders, fresh tears flowing down her cheeks as she hugs herself, the naked fear the Neko-ken unleashed in her so long ago fighting the grief she presently felt at a friend who had been made to needlessly suffer because of her.  She then blinks as Chikage's hand gently squeezes her shoulder, then she stares at the sorceress.  "What happened to him after...?" the martial artist asks, then her voice falters.

	"Several days after you and Genma left, someone found the pit," Chikage sighs.  "The Humane Society was called in to investigate.  Since the pit was so deep, the sides so sheer -- and the cats themselves so weak from hunger -- they couldn't crawl out to seek out fresh prey.  So, being carnivores, they turned on each other.  By the time they were discovered, only four were still alive.  Your friend, included.  But because they were so weak, it was then decided to humanely put them to sleep."

	"No..."

	Fresh sobs take away Ranma's voice as Chikage moves to comfort.  "Hush..." the sorceress soothes.  "You cannot change the past, Ane-kun.  But you can change the future.  Seize the day, Ane-kun.  Let this and all the days ahead be yours once and for all.  Be free, Ane-kun..."

	*And help Ani-kun be free, too...*

*    *    *

	Welcome House, ten minutes later...

	"Tadaima..."

	"Oh, Nee-sama, you came...!"  A gasp.  "NEE-SAMA, WHAT'S WRONG?!!"

	Mamoru and several others race into the recreation room on hearing Shirayuki's cry.  Stopping, they see Ranma at the doorway.  Eyes bloodshot, cheeks dampened from repeated tears, pale face, a hollowness in her eyes.  A look that spoke of unspeakable tragedy.  "Nee-sama...!" Shirayuki, she holding up a tray of sakura-mocha, shudders, unsure of WHAT to say.

	Ranma blinks, then notices the food in the chef's hand.  "Oh..." she reaches over to take the tray.  "Thanks.  I am kinda hungry."

	"Anee, you okay?!" Mamoru walks up.

	"I..." the martial artist blinks, then tries to smile.  "I dunno, Mamoru.  Anyhow, I'm goin' to bed.  'Night, everyone."

	The others watch her go.  Silence falls over the recreation room as the sisters try to interpret what just happened.  "What the hell...?" Mamoru moves to follow, then gasps as a black-sleeved arm blocks her path.

	"Leave her be."

	"Chikage!!" Mamoru spins on the sorceress.  "What the hell just happened to her, anyway?!!" she points to where Ranma had gone.

	Chikage sighs, then closes her eyes.  A single line of tears flow down her cheeks.  "I am sorry," she lowers her arm, looking away, then she takes a deep breath.  "What we have wished for has come true," she then announces.  "But in that happening, what little innocence Ane-kun had within her soul was obliterated forever.  And because of that..." she pauses before shaking her head.  "All those who would desire Ane-kun for their own purposes now walk in the very path of Death itself."

	The other sisters pale.  "And in so doing that, they will unleash a nightmare I fear Ane-kun and Ani-kun may never escape," Chikage sighs...

*    *    *

	A knock.  "Come in!" Ataru calls from inside.

	"Konban wa," Ranma walks in, the tray in her hand.  "Got some food Shirayuki-chan made up.  You want some?"

	Ataru now sits by the window, gazing at the full moon beyond.  He glances at Ranma, quickly noting the dampened cheeks, then he turns back to the stars.  "Chikage told you, didn't she?" he gently exhales.

	Ranma pauses, then lightly smiles.  "Yeah.  How long've you known?"

	"Right after we met and had dinner at Tampopo's," he breathes out.  "I'm sorry I didn't tell you earlier, but..." a pause, then, "Will all the crap coming down on your head at that time, I felt dropping THAT little bombshell onto your lap would've destroyed you."

	"Thanks," she straightens herself, then as a quirky smile crosses her face, she moves her hands up to her shirt buttons.

	"Please don't do that."

	Ranma pauses, then glances at Ataru.  "I thought you said to me that I was beautiful?" her eyebrow arches knowingly.

	"True, but I understated it," a smile crosses his face.  "You know, when Lum came into my life the first time, I said to myself, 'There can be no one more beautiful than her.'  I mean, the unreality of it all just hit me again and again.  Someone like THAT wanting ME of all the people in the whole galaxy?  Even when Sakura Sakurambou came afterward, no one could've held up a torch to Lum in my eyes.  Believe it or not, it's the one thing I could agree on with all the other guys in Tomobiki."

	He then looks down.  "Then I drove her away after Negako-neechan came back.  And then I met Sakuya-chan when I came here the first time.  And I said it again.  'There can be no one more beautiful than her.'  And then I added, 'Thank the gods she's my sister.'  And then..."

	He stares at Ranma.  She blinks, then stares back.  "And then?" she lightly smiles, expecting his answer.

	It comes.  "Then you came into my life."

	They stare at each other, then Ranma walks over to stand beside him, her hand reaching out to squeeze his shoulder.  Ataru's hand gently falls atop hers, giving her a warm squeeze in return.  "I wish I knew what to say now," she whispers.  "Even with what Sakuya told me, I still don't understand what love and everythin' about it is."

	"Well, that makes two of us," Ataru chuckles, then stares out the window at the stars.  "I've been around for twenty-seven years, counting all the time in Sanctuary, and I still don't know what love is, Ranma."

	"Then..." a pause before she smiles.  "Let's find out together."

	They look into each other's eyes.  Ataru then nods.  "I'd like that."

	He reaches over.  Ranma doesn't resist as she is sat down in his lap.  They stare into the other's eyes, then she reaches up to gently touch his cheek under his eye.  "But before we do, can you tell me something?"

	He blinks, then sighs.  "Well..." he begins, then nods.  "When you killed Saffron on Mount Phoenix, Ranma...?  How did you feel?"  A pause, then he adds, "Outside of being relieved that Akane was still alive."

	She considers that question, then she leans her forehead against his.  "Like a part of me just died.  Like..." she bites her lip, then sighs.  "I always believed that what I did, the Art I practised, was pure and good.  It was something noble.  You know, even with all the idiots coming at me bellowing 'Die, Saotome!' all the time, I..." she shudders, then takes a deep breath.  "I never believed it would go to that.  That I'd have to take that one final step I sure as hell didn't WANT to take.  But I had to."

	"And then, it was sullied?" he wonders.

	"Yeah."

	"'S'funny," he leans back, tilting his head to lay it against the window.  "After the Second Tag Race, things between Lum and I really settled down somewhat.  I just couldn't bring myself to look on another girl like I used to.  You might say I grew up a bit after that.  And then I started to feel as if what was going on between Lum and I was as pure as you look on your family's Art.  For two weeks, it seemed like some crazy dream I didn't want to end.  But..." he pauses, then looks down.  "Then Negako-oneechan came.  And I then realized how dirty, how soiled my life -- and by extension, my relationship with Lum -- really was."

	"But she loved you?"

	"Did she?  Maybe she did.  But..." Ataru pauses, then sighs.  "I had to send her away, Ranma.  When Negako-neechan showed me how much my life, my very SOUL, was in such a mess, I had to send her away.  And it hurt like hell, Ranma.  I didn't want to cause her, who in the very LEAST was the only real friend I felt I had in Tomobiki, any more pain.  But I had to do it, Ranma.  I felt I had no choice.  Because of what happened to me.  What was going on with Lum's people and the Noukiites.  And..." he looks to the stars and points.  "And what was going on out there?"

	Ranma looks.  "Where?"

	"See, up above Cancer, there?" Ataru tilts his hand to allow Ranma a better aiming point.  "That light that looks like a mini-galaxy?"

	"Yeah, I see it."

	"Well, it's not.  It's a trinary star system, the Phentax group as the natives call it.  Three stars and twenty-five planets in all.  It's just incredible to look at, you know," he sighs.  "The centre star is a big mother, as big as Mars' orbit around our sun.  And the two smaller stars orbit the big guy.  And they got planets orbiting them.  And then there're the outer planets orbiting the whole bunch.  It's so incredible to see..."

	"So what happened there?" she looks at him.

	Ataru sighs.  "On the second planet, there's this race.  Humanoid race, like ours.  But they're a very..." he bites his lip, "...imitative lot.  They mimic outside cultures when they contact them, but really can't come up with their own culture if you know what I mean.  Like that one classic 'Trek' episode, you know.  You ever see that?"  At Ranma's nod, he continues.  "Well, about ten years ago or so, they decided to mimic their whole culture after the Onis.  After Lum, specifically.  Turns out that when she was a young girl, Lum saved the life of some kid who was the son of a magistrate on Phentax Two.  And he..." a shudder runs through him.  "He then somehow persuaded everyone that Lum was a living goddess."

	Ranma pales.  "You must be joking."

	Ataru shakes his head.  "No joke."

	"Oh, brother..."

	"Hai," he nods.  "Well, when Lum moved to Earth, the Niphentaxians kept an eye on things.  And when Megane and his crew basically started their little fan-club and everyone else got on the bandwagon, then the Niphentaxians just went CRAZY!  They rebuilt ALL their cities into replicas of TOMOBIKI, for cryin' out loud!!  They started callin' Megane, Mendou and that crowd the 'Holy Apostles' and all that!  Called everyone else 'The Goddess' Holy Company' or something stupid like that...!!"

	"Let me guess," she shakes her head.  "You were their Satan."

	Ataru nods.  "Yeah."

	"Geez!"

	"Yeah," he sighs.  "Well, I was never told about any of this until Negako-neechan took me into Sanctuary.  By then, I found out about all the crap the Onis heaped on the Noukiites, so I didn't really care for what Lum's people were goin' through then.  Hell, they deserved it, for all I cared.  But it didn't take me too long to realize that if Lum got killed, the Niphentaxians'd go totally ballistic!  So..."

	"You had to stop them?"

	"Yeah," he nods.  "And it was easy, believe it or not.  Just get rid of Oogi.  He was the guy that Lum rescued who started the whole mess.  He was the president of Phentax Two at the time.  It was a sweet set-up!  All the leaders of the different factions in the Church of Lum were praying for a chance to unseat the guy and take over.  Perfect set-up for a civil war!  And if they were too busy fightin' each other, there's no way they could come help the Onis!!  So, Nee-chan and I decided we'd do a little body snatch.  And since I was the 'Great Evil' as they called me..."

	"You decided to be bait," Ranma wryly smirks.

	"Yeah," Ataru closes his eyes.  "I got there, got caught.  And then I found out that underneath the Church of Lum and all the other 'churches' that existed on Phentax Two over the years..." he pauses, "...there was this group that called themselves 'Guardians.'  They believed that if a faith came that took the attention of almost all of Phentax Two, THEN if something happened to shatter that faith, Phentax Two would be destroyed.

	"And somehow, SOMEHOW, they got their hands on a weapon whose power you can't BEGIN to imagine, Ranma.  The power of the Universal Tao itself, in all It's infinite levels...!  This weapon could tap into the Tao itself!  How the HELL do you fight something that has the basic power of the UNIVERSE itself backing it up, for heaven's sake?!

	"And..." he shudders.  "The head Guardian, a woman...!  She touched me on my forehead with the weapon's power crystal, a ruby-something...

	"Then, I don't know HOW, It touched the part of my mind that got sheared off when Negako-neechan's soul was put into me when I was six...

	"And..."

	Ataru hisses, tears flowing down his cheeks as that chaotic period in his life rolls through his mind again.  Ranma grips his shoulders as he looks once more on the star around which orbits a planet which became the place where his innocence was forever shattered.

	"A little boy..." his voice takes on a far-away quality.

	"A little boy that was me, but somehow...

	"Somehow remembered all the bad things that happened in my life...

	"That boy cried out, 'NO MORE!'

	"And the Tao...

	"It responded...

	"And I blacked out, but I saw it all.  I remember it all...

	"The boy became One with the Tao...

	"And in his scream, MY SCREAM, of pain, the Tao's weapon remembered the Guardian's fear, the prophecy they lived their lives by...

	"And the Tao and the weapon and ME lashed out...

	"And made it all come true."

	Ataru shudders, his voice failing, sobs taking over from words, as he allows Ranma to wrap him tightly in her arms.  Her eyes squeeze shut as her imagination, overwhelmed by the sheer SCALE of what he had witnessed, had been a part of, falls silent.  Together, they hold each other, sobbing for the loss of people who had been victimized by those who held power over their beliefs, their thoughts, their very LIVES...

	And once...

	Just once...

	But that once was enough...

	"And..."

	By the pain and terror of one who himself was a victim.

	Ranma shudders.  "And what?" she soothes.  "Tell me."

	Ataru takes a deep breath, then closes his eyes.

	"And three billion people died..."

*    *    *

To be continued...

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