"THE LEGEND OF RANKO"
	
(A Ranma 1/2 Fanfic)
	
>From the Desk of Megane 6.7

This is a work of Fiction.  All Characters and Landmarks, are the 
property of Rumiko Takahashi, Shogakukan Video, Kitty Films, 
Viz Video, Shonen Sunday, and anyone else who legally owns the 
rights.  

Link, Hyrule, Triforce, and anything else from "The Legend of Zelda"
belongs to Nintendo and whoever else hold the rights to it.


PART 1


	"SPLASH!" 	

	Ranma sat in the wet lukewarm puddle, his face grower redder 
by the moment as Princess Ranko laughed at him and extended a hand to
help him up to his feet.  Ranma sulked while Ranko tried to comment 
on Ranma's performance.

	"Nice try, hero."  She remarked at the skill, or rather lack of 
skill, at Ranma's handling of a sword.  "But if you expect to be the 
protector of Hyrule and the guardian of the triforce of wisdom, you'd 
better brush up on your swordplay.

	"Well excuse me princess!"  Ranma hotly retorted.  "I already 
told you I don't need this dumb sword to defeat Kunou's minions.  
My martial art skills are more than enough to...."

	"To get you killed if you don't master the sword as well!"  
Ranko admonished him.  "Kunou is the greatest swordsman in all of 
Hyrule...."

	"Big deal!  Take the sword away and he's helpless!"  Ranma 
pointed out.

	"You really think you've got what it takes to rip Kunou's 
sword from his grasp bare handed?!?"  Ranko said in disbelief.

	"I can do it Princess, Just give me the chance to prove 
myself.  "Ranma said confidently as he thrust his fists at an invisible 
foe.

	"Okay Ranma....I believe in you.  Ranko smiled warmly at 
him. "Let's go back to the castle and...."

	"No.  I'm not going to wait around until Kunou and his 
armies come around here to steal our triforce.  We're going to steal 
theirs, me and my friends."

	"You don't mean that band of rogues you used to hang 
around with?"  She replied with growing worry.

	"The same.  Ryouga, Mousse, and Ucchan"

	Ranko's face furrowed.  "Why Ucchan, I thought you and 
her were finished?"  she remarked with more than a hint of jealousy 
in her voice.

	"We are!  We are!"  Ranma tried to calm the princess down, 
less she try to cleave him in twain with her sword.  "But Ucchan's 
the only one who knows the area around the mountains, without 
her, we'll have little chance of survival.  Besides, she's really handy
with that kick-ass spatula of hers."

	Ranma blew out a short breath.  "Okay, Ranma.  If she 
MUST go, at least bring me along too!  I can cook for you and...."

	"Uh....that's okay princess!  Ucchan's already a pretty 
good cook and...."  Ranma quickly tries to think of something when 
he notices Princess Ranko fingering the hilt of her sword.  "Besides, 
I don't want you to get hurt."

	"I can fight just as well as any of you!  Even better with my 
sword."

	"I know but someone has to stay here and watch our triforce 
in case Kunou decides to make a move on it while we're gone.  We 
can't just leave Akane to guard the gate alone!"

	Ranko turns back towards the castle.  Although she is too far 
away to see the gate, she knows Akane Tendo, her loyal captain of the 
guards, was standing in front of it, discouraging anyone from trying to 
enter without permission by leaning the huge mallet she used for a 
weapon on her shoulder.  Ranko turns back towards Ranma and 
clasps his hands in her own.

	"Okay, I'll stay here....but Ranma....please be careful...."  
Ranko pleaded with wide frightened eyes.

	"Don't worry about me princess, I'm not planning to leave 
this world anytime soon....or you."

	Ranma placed his arms around the princess and leaned 
closer to place a gentle kiss upon her lips.  Ranko rested her head on 
his chest listening to the sound of his rapid heart beat.  They held 
each other for a long time before they finally kissed one last time and 
let each other go.

	"Farewell princess!  I'm off to find my old friends and 
recover the triforce of courage!  Wish me luck!

	"Good luck and Godspeed!"  Princess Ranko replied as she 
waved good-bye to her dearest love.  Then she cried out in alarm as 
she noticed Ranma's abandoned sword by the puddle.  She picked it 
up and called out for Ranma to come back and get it but he was 
already out of sight....


*	*	*


	Tatewaki Kunou watched the cauldron in silence as his 
sister, the evil ogress Kodachi, conjured up the image of the princess 
calling out to her prince in vain.  Kunou smiled as he knew now was 
the best time to launch a sneak attack on the castle and seize the 
triforce of wisdom, thus making him invincible!

	Kunou then glances behind him to see his right hand man, 
Sasuke and his sorcerer Hikaru Gosunkugi kneeling behind him 
with their heads bowed respectively, patiently waiting for their 
master to become aware of their existence.

	"Stand and unfold thyself."  Kunou's voice was cold and 
his posture reeked of impatience.

	Sasuke spoke first.  Master Kunou, while we acknowledge 
that the castle is now less defended without the skills of Ranma 
Saotome, he could easily return and thwart our efforts before we 
could capture the castle.  Might I suggest we wait until Saotome 
and his friends are a comfortable distance from the castle, that way 
we can attack both the castle as well as vanquish Saotome and his 
meddlesome friends once and for all.

	"And you sorcerer....?"  Kunou glared at Gosunkugi who 
shrank visibly into his oversized black cloak.  "What news does ye 
have of the pursuit of my two loves?"

	"I...I have managed to create a love potion that will cause 
anyone who drinks it to fall in love...."

	"With the first person he or she beholds"  finished Kunou.

	"Um....not quite my lord.  This potion requires a magical 
phrase to be said in order for the potion to take affect.  When the 
phrase is spoken by me, and only me, the potion then takes effect 
and then they fall in love with the first person they see."

	Kunou's dark glare bore into the back of Gosunkugi's skull.  
"And why praytell do YOU have the honor of saying the magic 
phrase."

	Gosunkugi voice trembled as he spoke. T...The phrase 
c...can only be spoken by a sorcerer.  The language in which the 
phrase is spoken is from the text of the ancients and thus makes it 
easier to avoid any mishaps, mistakes or misunderstandings."  
	
	Kunou narrowed his eyes then turned away.

	"Leave me." he whispered..

	Sasuke and Gosunkugi quickly departed as Kunou faced 
his sister once again.

	"Sister, tell me what is yet to come."  he ordered.

	"Oh HOHOHO!!!  The ogress cackled with laughter.  "I 
see Ranma journey to get here.  I see him meet and become reunited 
with his old comrades.  I see them all coming here to challenge your 
power.  What happens next depends on how well the plan goes.

	"Very well.  Leave me to my solitude." Kunou replied as 
Kodachi abandoned her cauldron and left.  Kunou was silent as he 
gazed upwards, his sharp eyes resting on a portrait of his late father.  
Like him, his father had been a tyrant, a ruler with a iron fist and a 
tight grip, until the townspeople rose up against him in arms, they 
had drawn and quartered his body, but the towns to this day had not 
fully recovered from his reign.  Now Kunou would avenge his 
father by recapturing what rightfully belonged to his family, by 
mortal combat.  He would make Hyrule pay for the loss of his 
father, no matter what the cost....

(Fade to Black)


PART 2


	"TENSHIN AMAGURIKEN!!!"

	The young woman watched in amazement as the pig-tailed
boy's fists seemed to be everywhere at once, pummeling the would-be
thug into unconsciousness.  Then the boy offered a hand to help her to
her feet.

	"T...Thank you."  the girl stammered.

	"No problem."  The boy smiled.  "Glad I could help."

	How....How did your fists achieve such speed, kind sir?"
the woman asked.

	It was strange to hear someone call him something other 
than "my prince or lord."  He had chosen to dress inconspicuously 
and the only thing that could still identify him as the Prince of 
Hyrule, his trademark pigtail, was concealed beneath the hood of 
his jacket.  "Oh, that."  he said nonchalantly.  "I picked it up 
during my travels in China."  He frowned as he remembered the 
"other" souvenir he picked up from there, not to mention who he 
had lost and....

	Ranma shook his head to clear it.  He couldn't afford to
think about the past now.  He had a mission to accomplish and not
much time to do it in.

	"Well, thank you for saving me from that horrible man."  
She gestured down at the man Ranma had sent to dreamland.  
"I fear I have no money to repay your kindness so if you wish...."

	The girl pulled her dress up to reveal a very shapely pair of
legs.  "I will allow you to take your pleasure of me in exchange for 
saving my life."

	 The boy looked shocked at this.  "No!  I mean....pull your 
dress back down!"  he blushed crimson as he turned away.  "I don't
want payment, especially not that kind of payment.  I was glad to 
save your life, as I would any other innocent."

	The girl looked surprised as she lowered the hem of her 
dress again.  "You are not from here are you?"  she remarked.

	"You....You could say that.  I came from the mountains in 
to look for an old friend of mine.  Have you heard of a man named 
Ryouga Hibiki?"

	"Yes.  He's staying at my father's inn for the night."  She 
replied.

	"Inn?"  Ranma's voice was filled with confusion.  "If your
father runs an inn why are you prostituting yourself to me?"

	The inn is old and in a state of disrepair, my father is very 
ill and cannot work and my other sister left us several months ago to
marry her lover and we haven't heard from her since.  I can run the
inn myself but those who would bother to enter have little or no 
money.  So I had planned to sell my body to raise money for 
medicine to keep my father alive."  the girl lowered her head in 
shame.

	Ranma felt sick, living in the castle of Hyrule for the past 
month had almost made him forget his previous life of living as a 
commoner. Or maybe he wanted to forget.   He had been forced most 
of his life to steal to survive by the master thief Happosai.  He had 
once been part of the most notorious Thieves Guild in Hyrule before 
he had managed to seal the master in a water barrel and throw him 
off the side of a cliff when it was discovered that he had been holding
out on him.  Then Ranma managed to catch the eye of the Captain 
of the Princess's royal guards, Akane Tendo.  Unfortunately he had 
been in a relationship with another woman at the time and rejected 
her affections.  Akane pride was hurt and she challenged him, a 
fight to the death so she could avenge her slighted honor.

	Ranma had managed to defeat her easily and spared her life, 
enraging her but attracting the attention of the princess Ranko 
herself.  Against her Captain's advice, she hired Ranma as one of her 
royal guards and from then on, he had lived in what seemed like the 
lap of luxury compared to hellholes like these.  Falling in love with 
the princess was another story though....   

   	"Sir....?"  The girl inquired nervously, breaking Ranma's 
train of thought.

	"Listen...."  Ranma began. 

	Ranma gently placed his hands on the girl's shoulders as he
spoke.  She seemed to flinch slightly and said in a quiet voice.  "If 
you've changed your mind, there's a room we can use nearby...."

	"What?  NO!  That's not why...."  Ranma released her 
shoulders immediately and continued.  "I want you to take me to
see Ryouga.  You don't owe me anything and I wouldn't dishonor
you or myself by taking your body.

	The girl smiled.  "Thank you.  I will take you to see him.  
It's the least I can do."  She walked with him down the street.  "By 
the way, what's your name?"

	"Ran...."  Ranma caught himself in time, not wanting 
anyone to know about his true identity as it would hinder his mission.
"Link."  he replied.   It was the name of his childhood pet, a rat he 
had taught to steal food scraps from the tables of restaurants while he 
waited outside for the morsels of food.  "My name is Link."

	"Pleased to meet you Ranlink, My name is Kasumi Tendo."

	Ranma laughed.  "It's just Link and....did you say Tendo?"  

	"Y....Yes."  Kasumi nervously replied.

	Ranma blinked in surprise.  "Do you know a Akane 
Tendo by chance?"  he asked.

	Kasumi's eyes seemed to glaze over for a moment.  "I have
never heard of that name nor care to ever hear it again."  She said
in a flat monotone.

	"Okay, okay!  I was just curious!"  Ranma wondered why 
Kasumi had suddenly become so cold.

	"Curious about what?"  Kasumi said, smiling at him.

	"Why you got so defensive when I mentioned Akane 
Tendo's name."  he said.

	Immediately the smile disappeared and her eyes went 
unfocused as she repeated  "I have never heard of that name nor 
care to ever hear it again."

	Ranma stared at Kasumi.  "Could she be under an 
enchantment?"  he wondered to himself as he continued to follow
her towards a ratty old inn....


*	*	*


Gosunkugi and Sasuke sat in the dining room of Kunou's castle, 
looking dejected.

	"Things were sure a lot simpler before Master Kunou 
became Overlord Kunou."  Sasuke remarked.

	"Tell me about it.  Ever since he returned from China with 
those love potion ingredients for me to use, he's been a different 
person."  Gosunkugi sighed.

	"He still recites bad poetry but his entire demeanor had 
changed.  He is much more....evil."  Sasuke said.

	"And why has he suddenly begun to associate with his 
witch sister!  Before now, he wouldn't have anything to do with 
her."  Gosunkugi noted.

	"Not to mention his sudden fond memories of his father.  
He was as much an idiot as his son ever was.  Why people like 
them elevate to the status of lord of a realm is beyond me."

	"Family bloodline."  Gosunkugi replied.  "It doesn't 
matter how smart you are, as long as you're born into it."	

	"And let's not forget the Master's recent bride, or should I
say, ex-bride now."  Sasuke said.

	"Granted, Princess Tendo was annoying as hell but to lock 
her in the dungeon below just like that...."  Gosunkugi remembered 
it well.   

	It was shortly after Kunou's return from China.  Nabiki 
Tendo, the master's bride for two months now, had greeted him at 
the door, asking if he had brought her any riches from the foreign 
land.  

	Kunou then bluntly told her to shut up.  

	At first, Gosunkugi and Sasuke were overjoyed that their 
master was finally standing up to his domineering, money hungry 
wife.  Ever since she had been delivered from her past commoner life
and into the lap of luxury, she had become a spoiled brat, demanding
everything and giving nothing back.  

	But now, when Nabiki demanded to know why he hadn't 
brought her anything, he had screamed for "HER" guards and told 
them to throw her in the dungeon.  Since all of the castle's guards at 
the time were under Nabiki's control, they refused and Kunou had 
responded by calmly decapitating every last one of the old guards 
effortlessly, showing incredible skill that no one ever suspected he 
had.  Princess Tendo became frightened and begged Sasuke and 
Gosunkugi to talk some sense into him but one look at the 
headless guards on the floor quickly convinced them to stay loyal to 
their master as they took her down to the dungeon, locked her away 
and had not checked on her since.  She was long dead by now, 
without food or water for several months, she could not have 
survived....

	"I just wish I felt better about the whole situation."  
Gosunkugi muttered as he idly sloshed around the love potion
Kunou had ordered him to make for his two loves, Princess Ranko 
and Akane Tendo.

	"I fear things will only get worse before they get better."  
Sasuke sadly replied as he took another sip....

	"SORCERER, STAND AND ACKNOWLEDGE ME!!!"

	Gosunkugi nearly leaped out of his skin as Kunou 
suddenly appeared in the doorway to the dining hall and bellowed.  
"Yes, Lord Kunou?"  he weakly replied.

	"The time to make use of the love potion is at hand."  He 
fixed his steely gaze on Sasuke.  "You will take a legion of thy 
finest ninja warriors and accompany sorcerer to Hyrule Castle where 
thee will use stealth to enter the castle undetected and kidnap both 
Akane Tendo and the Pig Tailed girl and bring them here.  Then, 
sorcerer...."

	"I....it's Gosunkugi, sir...."  Gosunkugi reminded him.

	In an instant, Kunou had Gosunkugi by the throat with one
hand and lifted him high in the air.

	"INTERRUPT ME AT YOUR OWN PERIL!!!"  Kunou roared 
with fury as he threw Gosunkugi down hard on the stone floor, 
knocking him unconscious.  Kunou then glared at Sasuke and 
continued.

	"Then sorcerer will administer thy potion to MY loves in 
MY presence and when they are MINE, I will have MY way with them
both and then send them back to the castle."

	"S...Send them back?"  Sasuke was surprised.

	"When we unleash the hellhounds of war upon Hyrule, the 
Princess and her Captain of the Guard, under MY control, will open 
the gates of the castle to MY vast armies and I shall lay waste to their 
castle, their towns, their entire land will be burned to ashes!"  Kunou 
finished in a dark tone.  Then I will have both triforces and with 
them I shall begin my reign as the SUPREME BEING OF ALL 
THAT EXISTS!!!  THIS I HEREBY SWEAR!   BECAUSE 
I....SAY....SO!!! 

	The sound of thunder echoed throughout the castle along 
with Kunou's power voice as Sasuke gasped in awe of his dark 
lord....

	"And I thought he was full of himself before...."  Sasuke 
wisely keep the thought to himself as he glanced down at the 
prone form of Hikaru Gosunkugi....


*	*	*


	Ranko looked in her mirror as she combed her long red 
locks.  She was wearing her light purple nightgown and her crown 
rested lightly on her dressing table.  Behind her, ever vigilant, was her
captain of the guard Akane Tendo, leaning against the door to her 
chambers with her arms folded across her chest.

	"I still don't know why you sent that macho jerk Ranma to
capture the triforce.  I know he's your husband and all but...."

	Ranko smiled faintly.  Only Akane could get away
with calling her fiancee a macho jerk.  It wasn't just because she 
and Akane had been close friends for the longest time, she had the 
same thought herself on a daily basis.  "I know he can be the most 
stubborn pigheaded man in Hyrule but he's my stubborn pigheaded 
man and I know he won't fail me."  Ranko sighed inwardly as her
own words sounded hollow somehow.  She was worried about 
Ranma....

	Akane snorted.  "I guess that's why he's planning to get
back together with that ex-fiancee cook of his eh, Ranko?"      

	Ranko's face flushed and she clenched her fists.  "H....He 
doesn't think of her like that anymore!"  She snapped at Akane.

	"So he says,"  Akane voice was laced with doubt.  "I don't
know about you but if I found out my husband was going off far 
away with his ex-lover....

	That was the final straw.  "Oh yeah?!  You're just jealous 
because he chose Ukyou instead of a tomboy like you!!!"  Ranko 
shouted back at Akane, her voice shaking with anger.

	Akane suddenly grew silent.  Ranko realized what she said 
and immediately regretted it.  "I'm sorry, Akane.  I shouldn't have 
said that.  It's just....I do worry sometimes that Ranma will go back 
to Ukyou since he keeps visiting her once in a while as a friend."  She 
swallowed hard and continued.  "I believe him though when he says 
he loves me and he knows I love him with all my heart.  We may 
have our disagreements once in a while but we both know we're 
destined to be married someday so we don't let it get out of control."

	Ranko stood up and faced Akane.  "I know you liked Ranma
and you were hurt when he stayed with Ukyou.  But I chose him to be
one of my guards....and eventually my prince....because of his 
fighting ability.  It wasn't because I didn't trust your judgment or 
considered your feelings."  She came closer to Akane until she was 
face to face with her.  "You mean a great deal to me Akane Tendo, 
You are my best warrior, my best friend....and even.....

	Ranko embraced Akane and gave her a passionate kiss on 
the lips.   Akane responded to the kiss, placing her own arms 
around the princess and holding her close.  They continued to kiss 
for a long time before Ranko finally released her and smiled, 
holding both of Akane's hands in her own.

	"You will always have a special place in my heart, Akane."
Ranko said, her eyes filled with joy.  "When I marry Ranma...."

	Akane's face saddened and she started to turn away only to
have Ranko release her hands and gently cup her face with them.  
Ranko looked Akane in the eyes as tears began to fall from them.

	"When I marry Ranma, you will not be forgotten or 
ignored.  I swear that upon my life."  Ranko reassured the crying
Akane.

	"B...But...Will it be the s....same as before...."  Akane 
sobbed.

	Ranko's face saddened a bit.  "I cannot say.  It depends
on what the prince thinks and how it will reflect on the kingdom.
If rumors were to surface...."  

	"Why s....should we care about rumors.  If we're in love 
then that all that should matter!"  Akane cried out in sorrow as 
Ranko held her again, gently stroking her short raven hair, trying 
to comfort her.  "We never cared what people thought before."

	Ranko smiled.  "You're right....that was foolish of me to 
say.  But the prince might object...."

	"Let him."  Akane said in a cold voice.  "I'll keep 
challenging him to duels until he agrees with us."

	"But you've never beaten him!"  Ranko exclaimed.

	"I'm talking about swordplay not marital arts."  Akane 
managed a small laugh.  "Ranma's so inept at swordplay I could 
defeat him with my eyes closed, lying flat on my back."

	"Like I've done with you?"  Ranko purred as she gave a 
quick nibble to Akane's earlobe.

	"Yeah....Just like that...."  Akane sighed as Ranko began 
to slowly kiss Akane's exposed neck, gently lowering her body 
to the floor....

	"R....Ranko...."  Akane whispered in the Princess's ear.

	"Shhh....Don't talk now...."  Ranko whispered as she 
moved her hands around Akane's waist, pulling her body to rest
upon her own.....


(Fade to Black)


PART 3

	The sun had already begun to set as Kasumi and Ranma 
entered the Tendo inn.  While it was fairly large, suggesting it was 
once a fine place to dwell, it was dark and cold inside, a few torches
the only form of illumination and the only occupant a drunk on the 
floor leaning against the bar with his head bowed.  Kasumi 
immediately retreated into the backroom, presumingly to check on 
her father while Ranma took a seat at one of the tables.  A few 
moments later, Kasumi reemerged with a worried expression.

	"Is your father all right?"  Ranma asked.

	"No."  She said simply, a tear rolling down her cheek.  "I 
fear he doesn't have much time left on this earth...."

	"Does he carry the plague?"  Ranma wondered.

	"I do not know.  The only doctor in town is a bone healer.  
He cannot cure disease of this magnitude.  He has tried to give my 
father alive with pressure points that strengthen the body but 
everytime it seems he will get better, he grows far worse again."  
Kasumi wiped the tears from her cheeks.  "But you came here to see
your friend not to hear of my problems, didn't you?"  

	"Well...."  Ranma wanted to hear more but his mission came
to mind and he knew time was of the essence.  "Could I speak to 
Ryouga?"

	"You can try.  I don't know if he can hear you though."  
Kasumi replied sadly.

	"What do you mean?"  Ranma was confused.

	Kasumi gestured at the drunk on the floor.  Ranma took a
closer look and was shocked to see it was Ryouga.  With his head 
bowed, he didn't even recognize his old friend.

	"Ryouga, hey wake up!"  Ranma said. 

	Ryouga opened his eyes briefly and they widened with 
recognition as they saw him.

	"Ranma.  Tat you old friend?"  Ryouga slurred.

	Ranma quickly retreated, the smell of booze on Ryouga's
breath was painfully apparent.

	"Jeez Ryouga, why the hell did you get so drunk?  Did you
win a tough battle or something?"

	"Nnnno....Mush worss......"  Ryouga replied, completely 
sloshed.

	"What then?  Someone in the family die?"

	"SHE LEFF ME!!!"  Ryouga suddenly shouted and burst into
tears.  "She leff me for a blacksmith!  I've got nothin left!"  he sobbed.

	Ranma understood now.  His wife Akari.  Ranma was afraid 
this would happen someday.  Ryouga had been one of the most 
powerful warriors in Hyrule and as such had attracted a great amount 
of admirers.  However Ryouga was too shy to accept their offers of 
love and secluded himself in the mountains most of the time.  Then 
one day, he heard of a boar-wrestling contest being held in the town.  
The winner would get the honor of marrying the boar's beautiful 
female trainer.  Ryouga had come into the town to see the contest and 
when he had spotted the girl it was love at first sight for him.  At first 
he was too shy to enter the contest to try for her hand but when it 
seemed that no one could defeat the mighty boar, Akari had spotted 
him from the crowd and called for him to give it a try.  Ryouga 
gathered his courage and entered the pit where the boar awaited.  
Ryouga defeated it in record time and won the right to become her 
bride.  They were soon married and it seemed Ryouga had found 
happiness.

	But Akari was not like Ryouga at all.  Unlike his shyness and
inability to talk to women, Akari was completely comfortable with 
them....in more ways than one.  Ranma had found this out when he 
came to visit their home and Akari had virtually flung herself at him
every time Ryouga turned his back.  Ranma resisted her advances of
course, angrily telling her she belonged to Ryouga but she wouldn't
take the hint.  He hadn't seen Ryouga and Akari since he moved into
Hyrule castle and he hoped they could work out their differences.

	"Don't worry about it Ryouga.  She's not worth crying about
anyway."  Ranma tried to reassure him.

	Ryouga looked up at him, his body began to grow a bright 
green color and Ranma realized he may have just made a big mistake.

	"WHATDOYOUKNOW!!!" Ryouga screamed incoherently
at Ranma.  "You've been living the high life for so damn long, 
you've forgotten what it's like down here!  I loved her dammit!  I 
loved her and she betrayed me!"

	Ranma was silent as Ryouga continued.  "Everything I ever
cared about died when she left me.  So I came in here, crawled inside
a mug of ale and I've been here ever since!"

	"When did Akari leave you?"  Ranma wondered.

	"T....This morning."  Ryouga sobbed, his previous anger 
turning back into tears, his battle aura fading away.

	Ranma inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.  If Ryouga had only
started drinking today, he could be sober by tomorrow.  He'd have one
hell of a hangover but he would be sober.  "Come on Ryouga."  Ranma
gently lifted Ryouga up to his feet and then slung him over his shoulder
since Ryouga couldn't stand up anyway.  He turned back to Kasumi.

	"Do you think I could...."  Ranma began.

	"Of course Link.  You can take any room you like."  Kasumi 
finished for him.

	"Thank you."  Ranma replied as he walked towards the 
rooms, carrying Ryouga over his shoulders.

	"Link?"  Ryouga muttered aloud.

	"Shh!  I'll tell you later."  Ranma whispered Ryouga as they 
made their way inside one of the rooms.  The room was small, the 
only piece of furniture a single bed barely big enough for two.  Ranma
groaned as he gently laid Ryouga on the bed.

	"See you tomorrow old friend."  Ranma said as he left the 
room and quietly shut the door.  Kasumi was waiting for him outside
as he did so.

	"Is your friend all right?"

	"He will be, thanks for asking."  Ranma replied.  Then he 
reached into his purse and produced some gold coins.  "Here's 
something to repay you for your kindness.  We'll be leaving 
tomorrow."

	Kasumi's eyes went wide with shock.  "Y....you would do 
this....for me?  But....you saved my life....It is I who should....

	"It's okay.  Just tell me where to buy this medicine and I'll
go get it for you.  A girl as pretty as you shouldn't be wandering the
streets alone at night."

	Kasumi blushed furiously at the compliment as she replied.  
"It's a mile down the road in that direction."  She pointed to the south.
A old woman named Cologne sells it to me.

	"COLOGNE!"  Ranma said in disbelief, the volume of his 
voice causing Kasumi to leap back in fright.

	"Y....Y....Yes....She's the one who's been selling me the 
potions to keep father alive.  But only if I have enough money.  The 
amount of coin in your hand is enough to buy a year's supply!

	Ranma glowered in silent fury.  After all this time....the 
woman responsible for a great deal of his misery was in his grasp!
He knew that somehow Cologne was using Kasumi in some fashion.
Then he remembers Kasumi's reaction to Akane's name....

 	"Kasumi!"  Ranma said as he grasped her shoulders.  "When
did you first meet Cologne?"

	"It was not I.  It was father.  He had been walking home 
carrying our dinner over his back when he came across her.  She tried 
to....

	"She tried to engage her granddaughter to your father, didn't
she?"  Ranma jumped in.

	"Yes.  My father refused because the memory of my deceased 
mother was too painful for him to ever love again.  Cologne was 
furious and vowed revenge on my father for dishonoring her 
granddaughter."

	"And then she threw a jar of cursed water at your father which
made him turn into a...."  Ranma continued.

	"No."  Kasumi interrupted.

	"No?"  Ranma was confused.

	"Cologne didn't do anything.  My father walked home and we
didn't hear from her again.  Then my father grew ill and things began to
fall apart...."  Then it hit her.  "Are you suggesting Cologne is 
responsible for my father's illness?!?"

	 "Maybe....I have to go see her for myself and find out."  
Ranma replied as he thought to himself.  "Not to mention settle my own
score with the old ghoul...."

	"Aright.  Be careful now!"  Kasumi said as Ranma dashed 
out of the inn, and rushed down the road....


*	*	*


	A light purple nightgown, entwined with the clothes of a 
warrior lay forgotten in the shadows.  Their owners slowly uncurled
from a naked embrace that had lasted long after the lovemaking.  
Akane began to rise when Ranko gently placed a arm around her 
waist to pull her back.  Akane was happy to oblige her by again
nestling within her soft breasts and strong limbs, listening to the 
sound of her rapid heartbeat as Ranko stroked her hair every so 
gently.  
   
	Then Akane suddenly spoke. "Do you ever wonder if 
Ranma ever considers his curse a good thing?"

	"What do you mean?"  Ranko asked.

	"I mean, ever since that old crone threw that jar of cursed 
water at him, he's done nothing but complain and whine to us about
how inconvenient it is for him.  But I for one can see the advantages of
it and I wonder if he hides it from us."

	"Turning into a fairy everytime he's hit with cold water isn't 
exactly a good thing."  Ranko remarked.

	"But think of the advantages!  He can sneak into any 
enemy's lair with little chance of being detected because of his size.  
He can fly!  He can move really fast!  He can even perform some 
magic now...."

	"But it cost him the woman he loved at the time."  Ranko 
reminded Akane.

	"So what?  It worked out for you didn't it?"  Akane said with
a sly grin.

	Ranko sighed.  "Perhaps, but I still think...."

	Ranko and Akane are startled when a blue portal suddenly 
appears in front of them.  A moment later, Hikaru Gosunkugi 
accompanied by Sasuke and a hoarde of ninjas emerged from the
portal.

	"Hah!  Now we have....woo....whoa....gulp...."
 
	Gosunkugi sees the princess and the captain of the guards
in a naked embrace and he quickly faints, blood exploding from his
nose.  Sasuke looks down at him with disgust before he turns to face
the lovers with an amused grin on his face.

	"Well, well, well,  look at what we have here...."

	Akane instantly stood up and drove into a roll to retrieve her
sword.  A ninja tried to stop her only to be sliced into seven separate 
pieces a moment later.

	"GUARDS!!!"  Ranko screamed at the top of her lungs.

	Sasuke laughed as Akane stood naked in front of the equally
unclothed princess with her sword drawn.  Ranko tried to reach her 
own sword to help when Sasuke whipped a chain around it and 
flipped it out the window and permanently out of her reach.

	"I don't know how you bastards got in here.  But every one
of you will die today before I let you get near my princess!"  Akane
threatened, her sword gleaming.

	"Looks like you've already beaten us to that."  Sasuke said
as he roared with laughter, his ninjas remained silent, posed to 
strike.

	"Silence!"  Ranko decided to be heard.  "My other guards 
will be here momentarily and you will be outnumbered."

	"Quite right. I guess we'll just have to make this quick.  
Attack!"  Sasuke commanded as two dozen ninjas sprang as one at 
them.

	Facing with overwhelming odds, Akane immediately began
slashing and hacking anything that moved.  She fought well, killing
several ninjas and wounding many others, but soon she was 
overwhelmed and she felt her sword being ripped from her grasp.

	Ranko too fought bravely but without a sword, her fighting 
skills were limited to basic techniques that Ranma had taught her. 
Still something in her snapped and she lashed out with her feet and 
fists.  As one ninja went down with a satisfying scream, seven more 
grabbed her arms and legs and pinned her to the floor.  Meanwhile 
Sasuke calmly walked over to her and carefully pulled a bouquet of 
black roses out of his vest.  He held them out in front of Ranko's face 
as she struggled against her captors.  Then he squeezed the bottom 
of the bouquet, emitting a small cloud of gas.  Ranko breathed in the 
fumes and soon ceased her struggles as she lost consciousness.

	"Hurry!  We don't have much time left!  Bring them to the 
portal!"  Sasuke then glanced down at the still unconscious 
Gosunkugi.  "And someone bring him along as well!"  Sasuke shook
his head in disgust.

	Ranko's arms and legs were hefted as four ninjas carried her 
towards the portal while a furious Akane struggled to get the pile of 
ninjas off her.  Sasuke began to walk towards her when suddenly the
door burst open and five guards rushed into the room.

	"Captain!"  One guard called out.

	"Are you all right!"  Another guard asked.

	"What happened to your clothes?"  A third guard wondered 
aloud.

	"SOMEBODY GIVE ME A SWORD!!!" Akane screamed as
the ninjas restraining her turned to meet this new threat.  The fighting
was fearsome as the castle guards slashed and hacked with Sasuke's 
ninja squad.  Then Akane managed to grab her sword from the hand of
a dead ninja and began to clear a path towards the ninja's carrying her
princess towards the portal....

  	Then Sasuke's chain wrapped tightly around her body, 
pinning her arms to her side and entwining her ankles.  She glanced 
behind her just in time to see him pull hard on the chain, causing 
Akane to fall flat on her face, helpless.  With the other guards 
occupied, the ninjas with the Princess entered the portal and were 
gone.

	"NO!!!"  Akane screamed with rage and frustration.  Sasuke
picked her up and was about to carry her off when a stray guard leapt
in front of him, waving his sword wildly and keeping Sasuke at bay.
Sasuke was about to call his ninjas when he noticed there were only
four of them left.  Akane's guards had fought well and more were on 
the way, so with great reluctance, Sasuke threw Akane at the guard 
blocking his way, forcing him to drop his sword and catch her as 
Sasuke rushed past him and leapt into the portal soon followed by the 
remainder of his ninjas, one of them dragging the unconscious 
Gosunkugi behind him.  The portal then quickly closed and a 
moment later it was if it had never been there.

	The guard holding the naked Akane gently set her down, 
blushing as he did so.  Then Akane noticed the other guards staring
at her as well and screamed "What are you looking at you perverts!?!"

	"N....Nothing!"  The guards quickly averted their eyes as 
Akane went over to her clothes and began putting them on.

	"What the hell took you so damn long to get down here!  
The princess could have been killed a dozen times over by the time
you idiots showed up!"  Akane shook with rage as she yelled at her
guards.

	"W....We're sorry...."  A guard began to apologize.

	Akane turned on him.  "Sorry?!?  Sorry won't get the 
Princess back now will it?"  she retorted angrily

	"No, Captain, but there were more ninjas in the barracks."
the guard replied, frustrated.
	
	"What?"  Akane said, beginning to lose her anger.

	"A portal similar to the one in here opened in the guard's
barracks and a pack of ninjas came out and caught us by surprise."
The guard offered.
	
	"They must have done it to keep our attention away from 
what was happening in here."  another guard offered as he and the
other guards bowed their heads in shame.

	Akane sighed to herself.  "Then they attacked us on two 
fronts and they're was nothing you could do.  I'm sorry I yelled at
you.  I know you did your best and you fought well.   You kept me
from being kidnapped as well." she said as she smiled at the guard 
who stopped Sasuke from taking her into the portal, causing him 
to blush.  
  
	"But what will we do now, Captain?  We cannot abandon 
the castle to look for her.  They may attack again at any moment.

	Akane nodded her assent.  Then she held her head high, chin
up as she loudly proclaimed. "From this point forward, this castle is 
on 24 hour watch and all guards, even our reserves, must be in 
armor, at their posts with weapons in hand in no less than 2 hours!  
We have to be ready in case they strike again.  We don't know why 
they took the Princess and why they tried to kidnap me as well, but 
whatever the reason, we cannot allow Kunou to use her against us and
lure us away from the castle.  That's why we're going to remain here 
and pray that the prince can get her out before she is harmed.  Carry 
out my orders!"
	
	"Yes Captain!"  The guards bowed and quickly left the room.
The shouts of Akane's orders were heard echoing throughout the castle
as Akane walked over to the door and locked it.  Then, when she was
certain that she was alone and that her orders were being carried out.
Akane gently reached down and picked up Ranko's purple nightgown.
She gently rubbed it against her cheek for a moment....

	Then she threw herself onto the floor, the sobs tearing at her 
throat as she clutched at the fragments of her best friend, her 
princess, her lover....a single thought repeating itself over and over in
her tortured soul.... 
	
	"It should have been me...." 
	

*	*	*


	Kunou stood in the grand hall of his castle with his hands 
clasped behind his back, awaiting the return of his minions with his
two loves.  Although he was very impatient to see Hyrule destroyed,
he would not show his eagerness if he could help it.  Great men like
him never hurried, they caused OTHERS to hurry.

	Still he couldn't help but smile as he dreamed of what new 
conquests he would undertake once he gained control of both triforces.
His power would be absolute.  His every word law and truth.  Those 
would challenge....nay....attempt to challenge his power, for no one was 
as great as he, would die a thousand deaths.

	Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of anticipation, 
the sorcerer's portal reappeared.  The ninja's followers came through
first with his pig-tailed goddess in tow.  Then their master emerged
followed a few moments later by four more of his followers....

	And then the portal closed.  Kunou blinked in surprise and
then shot a look at Sasuke that promised nothing but pain if he didn't
give the explanation he wanted to hear.


	"WHERE IS AKANE TENDO?"  Kunou said in a dangerous 
tone of voice.

	"Uh....W....We couldn't get her out in time...."

	Sasuke saw his life passing by his eyes as Kunou immediately
began to draw his sword.  "B....B....But we've discovered something
profound about her relationship with the Princess!"

	I WILL HEAR NO EXCUSES!   YOU HAVE FAILED ME 
AND THE PUNISHMENT IS DEATH BY DISMEMBERMENT!!!"
Kunou roared as he prepared to run Sasuke through with his blade 
when Sasuke suddenly shrieked.

	"AKANE AND THE PRINCESS WERE NAKED!!!"

	Kunou paused, his hand still firmly grasping his sword as he
replays Sasuke's words through his head.  He glanced over at Ranko 
and seemed to notice her lack of clothes for the first time.  He 
whirled angrily on Sasuke.

	"EXPLAIN!!!"  Kunou ordered.

	"I....I believe the P....Princess and Akane T....Tendo are 
having an affair behind the Prince's back.  When we first burst upon 
them, they were naked and wrapped around each other.  I b....believe 
they had recently made love before we appeared.

	Kunou's jaw dropped as he stared in disbelief at the sleeping 
princess.  His love was a.....Both his loves were....  Kunou's mind 
began to overload as the ramifications of a lesbian relationship 
between the two women he held most dear threatened to overwhelm 
his senses completely....

	Then he seemed to reorganize himself and regain control, 
his once clouded mind becoming clear once again, reminding him of 
his new purpose and what had to be done.

	"Even if they are lovers, you still failed to capture Akane and
I do not accept failure.  Period!"  Kunou replied calmly as he placed 
the tip of his sword against Sasuke's throat.

	"P....p....please Master Kunou!  Just give me a moment to 
explain how we can use this to our advantage!  Sasuke begged him
as Kunou pressed harder against his throat.  "J....Just a moment...!!"

	Kunou paused again as Sasuke looked at him with wide
frightened eyes.  

	"Very well."  He withdrew his sword from Sasuke's throat 
and resheathed it as Sasuke gasped in relief.  "If Akane and the 
pig-tailed girl are truly in love then Akane will be weakened by 
her loss will she not?  Kunou guessed.

	"Forgive my impertinence my lord but I don't not believe 
Akane will be less effective as a fighter even with the loss of the
Princess.  In fact, she fought harder and with more skill as we tried 
to get her into the portal and I believe she and her guards will fight
like they've never fought before to get her back."  Seeing that he had 
Kunou's attention, Sasuke continued.  "If Akane believes that Ranko 
has betrayed her, that everything that they were was a lie....She 
would be devastated.  THAT is when we should strike!  With Akane's
spirit broken the rest of her guards would fall as well and then the 
castle will be yours....as will Akane be yours for the taking.

	Sasuke took a deep breath, praying that his master understood
him and wouldn't use his head for target practice.  Then Kunou nodded
in understanding.

	"I believe I see the merit in your plan.  You have done well.  As
a reward for your insightful thinking, I will allow you to live.

	"T....Thank you Master Kunou!"  Sasuke quickly dropped to 
his knees and bowed repeatedly, not daring to say anything else.

	"Bring the princess to my chambers and lay her on my bed.  
I shall attend to her in a moment."  He then glared at the unconscious
Gosunkugi.  "Why is Sorcerer sleeping on the ground?"

	"He was awestruck by the naked flesh of your loves and 
passed out."  Sasuke replied as he continued to grovel at Kunou's 
feet.

	"Rouse him!"  Kunou roared.  "I will be needing his services
very shortly....


(Fade to Black)


PART 4 

	It was pitch black, the moon having hid behind the clouds as 
Ranma made his way down the path towards Cologne.  His mind was
clouded and full of rage.  How DARE this old crone use a sweet and
innocent girl like Kasumi to gain money from her.  Ranma was going
to make her pay, one way or another.

	After much walking, Ranma finally saw a light in the distance,
the light of a campfire illuminating the wagon of a peddler.  It said....


"COLOGNE AND GRANDDAUGHTER MIRACLE CURES!

Don't Try the Rest!  WE'RE the best!

SPECIAL!  ALL POTIONS 50% OFF!	

	
	"At last!" Ranma ran towards the fire, using it as his beacon.
When he finally got close enough, he slowed his approach and
saw Cologne's granddaughter dancing around the fire.  She seemed to be
performing some sort of ritual and Ranma moved in for a closer look.

	Shampoo was naked, dancing around the fire and causing 
Ranma's nose to bleed slightly.  Her purple hair flowed freely over her 
shoulders and an ankle bracelet gleamed in the light of the fire as 
Ranma continued to watch.  The graceful movements of her body,
showcasing her athletic prowess, caught Ranma's eye as she spoke 
in a language he couldn't understand.  He felt a pang of guilt at staring at
another woman's body like this but couldn't take his eyes off her as she 
moved her upper body up and down, her breasts bouncing with her 
motions, her hands all over her body while twirling her hips and moving 
to the beat of some imagined music that only she could hear.  Then 
Shampoo's movements suddenly increased as she completely threw 
herself into the ritual, muttering strange phrases as she held her hands 
up to the sky, as if begging for something.  Ranma watched with wide 
eyes as Shampoo's entire body seemed to be glowing, illuminating the 
surrounding area with a eerie blue light as she began to change....

	As Ranma looked on in disbelief, Shampoo changed from 
a beautiful young girl to a powerful cheetah.  Ranma had never 
suspected Cologne's granddaughter was that skilled a mage.  As Shampoo 
was now a cat, Ranma found he could concentrate again and chided 
himself for being distracted like that.  As he began to make his way 
towards the wagon, he accidentally stepped on a twig....

	The cheetah immediately turned in his direction and let out a 
snarl before leaping across the camp towards Ranma.  Ranma assumed a 
defensive stance and caught the cheetah as it leapt onto his chest, 
flipping it over him high into the air.  The cheetah managed to land on
it's feet and turned to face Ranma, baring his fangs.  Then it charged 
Ranma again.  Ranma tried to flip it over his head again only to have 
the cheetah morph back into the naked Shampoo, distracting Ranma long
enough for her to flatten him with her body and send them both to the 
ground.  Ranma gasped from the impact while Shampoo nuzzled his 
chest in happiness.

	"Ranma come back for Shampoo?  Shampoo so happy!"

	"No!  That's not why I'm here!  Get off me!"  Ranma cried out
in vain as Shampoo ignored his protests and straddled him.  She raised
both her arms and ran her fingers through her hair, mussing it up as she
smiled alluringly at Ranma.  Ranma desperately tried to look away, to 
stand up, to do anything to get away from the seductive mage, only to 
be trapped by Shampoo's strong thighs, holding him firmly in place as 
she resumed her nuzzling.  

	"No!  That's not why I'm here!"  Ranma tried to reason with
her.

	"Then why are you here, Son in Law or should I say, your 
highness?"  a voice spoke.

	Ranma glanced over to see Cologne sitting on the steps of the 
wagon, the light from the flames, illuminating her ancient features as she
calmly smoked her pipe.  She had an expression of amusement as she 
watched the prince of all Hyrule, the same boy who had shown such
prowess in battle, struggle in vain to get her naked 
granddaughter off him.

	"YOU!"  Ranma roared with anger.  "I'll....Get off me 
Shampoo!....I'll rip you apart you old ghoul!"

	"Come now son-in-law, is the curse I gave you really all that 
bad?"  Cologne admonished him.

	"It's not just that!  I know what you're doing to Kasumi and 
her father!  You ought to be ashamed of yourself for exploiting the
weak!"

	Cologne raised an eyebrow.  "Exploiting you say?  I'm afraid 
I don't know what you're talking about."

	"Don't play dumb with me!  You put some kind of curse on 
Kasumi's father to make him sick and now Kasumi resorted to selling
her body to raise money in order to buy medicine from you.  Medicine
that probably doesn't even work!"  Ranma said accusingly.

	"On the contrary, my potions always work.  Your curse is a 
tribute to that.  If the cures I give Kasumi do not work, it means 
whatever is making her father ill is more powerful than my cure.

	"Oh yeah?  Then why is it whenever I mention the name 
"Akane Tendo to her, she acts like she's under an enchantment?"

	"Perhaps someone else cast the spell.  I'm not the only 
ogress in Hyrule you know, although I am the best."

	Ranma snorted.  "If you're not the one who did this, then can
you at least do something about it?  Maybe try to help them?"

	Now it was Cologne's turn to snort.  "Why should I?  They
are nothing to me.  Perhaps if her father had married my granddaughter
I would have done something but now he can die for all I care.  You on
the other hand...."  Cologne smiled.  "Since you were foolish enough to
return when you could have stayed away, you can now finish what you
began and then marry Shampoo."  Cologne said as she began to walk 
back towards the caravan...

	"What *I* began!?"  Ranma screamed in disbelief as Shampoo
smiled at him.  "Wait a minute!  Wait just a damn minute!  I have an 
offer for you!"

	Cologne paused but did not turn around as Ranma continued.
"Look I can't marry your granddaughter because I'm engaged to the 
princess!  But I have a friend, recently separated, who would be glad to 
take my place as Shampoo's husband!"

	Cologne shook her head.  "Any man won't do.  He must be 
strong and skilled enough to carry on our village."

	"Ryouga's strong!  I guarantee he can prove himself worthy of
Shampoo's hand!"

	Cologne was silent for a long moment.  "Very well prince of 
Hyrule, I will help your friend Kasumi as best I can.  However you had
better not be lying about your friend's willingness to marry my 
granddaughter or a mere fairy curse will be the least of your problems....

	Shampoo frowned.  "No!  Shampoo like Ranma better!  No 
want other man!"

	"Silence!  You will marry who I choose you to marry!"  
Cologne sternly warned Shampoo as she piped down.  "Release him 
and put some clothes on." she added, a disappointed Shampoo getting 
off Ranma who sighed in relief and then blushed deeply again as he got 
an excellent view of Shampoo's nether regions up close.  Shampoo 
headed towards the wagon while Ranma slowly rose to his feet and 
looked down at Cologne.

	"Thanks.  Now that we've settled that little matter.  About my
curse...."

	"I will not remove it.  You insulted me and everyone in my 
family when your outsider girlfriend prepared okonomiyaki at our 
sacred banquet.  Your decision to take the blame for her was your 
choice and you must live with the consequences."

	Ranma sighed.  "You're never going to let that go, are you?"
	
	"It was obscene!  Those little pancakes....They were completely
out of place and were not appropriate at such an honored event.

	"The other members of your family seemed to like them...."

	"Just because they don't follow tradition as closely as I, doesn't 
mean they won't support me when I make a decision.  You are fortunate
I accepted your sacrifice and did not curse your girlfriend.  Now let us
journey to your friend's home.  Shampoo!  Come, we leave now!"

	Shampoo emerged a moment later wearing a purple gypsy outfit 
with frilly cuffs, her belly exposed and a silk scarf around her neck.  
Ranma breathed a sigh of relief at not having to see her naked anymore 
but was unnerved none the less as Shampoo gave him a wink.  Then as 
they left the wagon behind and walked down the path towards the Tendo
Inn, Ranma had to ask Shampoo something.

	"Shampoo, what was that ritual you were doing to turn into a 
cat?"

	"It was spell taught to Shampoo by Grandmother.  It used by
elders for hunting.  Cheetah fast and strong, catch most animals easily."

	"And you have to do all that chanting and dancing naked around
a fire before you can transform?"

	"No.  Shampoo do that to attract husband.  Changing into 
cheetah easy." Shampoo smiled at Ranma.

	"A....Attract a husband?!"  Ranma said with disbelief.

	Cologne decided to explain further.  "I have Shampoo dance naked
in front of the fire every night to attract a traveler like yourself.  Then if 
that traveler proves himself worthy as you did, they are given the choice 
to marry my granddaughter.  If they refuse I send them on their way.  If 
they are unworthy I do the same.

	"But....doesn't that attract a lot of.....perverts here?"

	"More than you know" Cologne sighed.  "But I make it clear they
are not worthy and make certain they do not remember what they have 
seen, less they tell others."

	"How do you make certain they don't remember?"

	"I use a technique known as the Xi Fa Xiang Gao Shiatsu 
Attack."  Upon seeing Ranma's blank expression she described it to him.
It is a martial arts technique that selectively erases memory from the 
victim.  Thus, any unworthy suitors leave here and never return.

	"How many people have been worthy of Shampoo's hand?"

	"Two.  Yourself and the father of your friend.  Everyone else
was either too weak or too concerned with ravishing my 
granddaughter's body.  For your sake, this Ryouga fellow had better 
be worthy.

	Ranma shook his head and looked at Shampoo, who smiled 
brightly back at him.  "So do I."  Ranma muttered under his breath.


*	*	*


	Ranko groaned softly as she began to regain consciousness.  
A flurry of images appeared in her mind, saying good-bye to Ranma, 
her passionate lovemaking with Akane and then....

	"AKANE!"  Ranko screamed as she sat up.  She remembered
Sasuke and the guards ambushing them, how helpless and frustrated she
felt at not being able to defend herself.  She looked around and saw she
was sitting on a bed in a giant bedroom.  She slowly slid off the bed and
looked down to confirm she was still naked.  She shivered slightly as
she made her way to the door, her wrists and ankles feeling like they had
been bound recently.

	The door was locked so she peered through the keyhole, 
searching for any sign of her captor but finding none she moved away
from the door and went to the window.  As she looked down at the 
huge drop from the castle window to the ground, she quickly abandoned
the thought of jumping to her freedom.  She looked at the bed and 
wondered if she could tie the sheets together to form a rope that could 
lower her gently to the ground.

	But as she turned to look out the window again, she could tell
she didn't have enough sheets to make a long enough rope.  She looked
around the room, searching for anything she could use to escape the room
when there was a loud creak at the door and Kunou suddenly came into the
room, a smile of triumph and desire on his face.

	"Ah my goddess!  How I've longed to...."

	Kunou never had a chance to finish his sentence as an enraged 
Ranko rushed towards him and smashed him across the face with her fist.
Kunou fell on his rear, stunned while an enraged Ranko screamed.  
"HOW DARE YOU KIDNAP ME AND TAKE ME INTO YOUR 
BEDROOM!!!"  Ranko slammed her bare foot into Kunou's crotch and he
was very glad he was wearing armor as Ranko grabbed his collar with her
hands.  "I SWEAR, IF YOU'VE LAID ONE HAND ON AKANE.....I'LL
KILL YOU!!!"     
	 
	Kunou was silent.  Ranko wondered why until she noticed he was
not paying attention to her words, but rather her naked flesh.  Ranko slapped
Kunou hard across the face.  "What do you think you're looking at?!"

	Kunou's eyes met Ranko's and she felt a chill go through her entire
frame as she saw the lust for her in them.  "I think I am staring at my wife 
to be.  For where would a proper woman stand if not behind a powerful 
man.  I will soon become the most powerful man in Hyrule and then, with 
you by my side,  we will rule as King and Queen!

	"Never!  I'd sooner die than marry an arrogant braggart like 
yourself!  Now where is Akane!?  TELL ME!!!"  Ranko demanded.

	"She is alive and well, just as you left her."  Kunou replied 
simply.  Ranko slightly relaxed her grip upon hearing this news but 
still glared at Kunou as he smiled in response.

	"Fine.  Then I'll be on my way."  Ranko exclaimed as she 
released Kunou and headed towards the door.  Kunou quickly stood 
and slammed the door shut.  Ranko spun around and tried to belt him
only to have him effortlessly grab her wrist and hold it gently, but firmly
in place.

	"Ah though she is little, she is fierce.  Her anger enhances her
beauty a hundred fold!  Her flashing eyes, her flushed cheeks, her 
pouting lips.  See how her body trembles with her rage, the...."

	STOP TALKING ABOUT ME IN THE THIRD PERSON!!!"
Ranko screamed as she tried to free herself from Kunou's grip only to
have Kunou embrace her tightly.

	"I shall never let you go again!"  Kunou sighed with joy as he
seemed oblivious to Ranko's frantic attempts to get him off her.  Then
he cried out in pain as Ranko slashed her nails across his cheek, drawing
blood as he released her.  She instantly backed away as far as possible
while maintaining the defensive stance that Ranma had taught her.  Kunou
rubbed his injured face for a moment and then his expression ran cold.

	"Very well.  I tried to do this the easy way.  Now circumstances
would seem to dictate otherwise."  Kunou said as he moved towards her.

	Ranko's heart was pounding with fear and anger as Kunou 
approached.  No matter what happened she would not allowed herself to
be used by him.  She would kill herself, throw herself out the window
before she would be used against her will.  She slowly edged towards the
open window, a tears running down her face as Ranma and Akane 
appeared in her mind's eye.

	"Forgive me....I will always treasure our time together...."
Ranko whispered to herself as she leapt onto the windowsill and 
turned around to face Kunou.  Kunou merely smirked as he said.  
"Taking your own life before allowing me the honor of your 
company?  I think not."

	Ranko smiled back at him, tears flowing down her cheeks now
as she replied.

	"Then you do not know me very well."     

	Ranko extended her arms and before Kunou could stop her, she
leapt from the windowsill....

	"NOOOOO!!!!"  Kunou screamed as he rushed towards the 
window and drove through it.  As he rapidly descended towards the 
ground, he spotted Ranko's body just ahead of him and he struggled to
catch up to her before she hit the ground.  A few seconds before they 
reached it, Kunou managed to grab hold of Ranko and twisted her 
around so she was on top.  Kunou slammed hard into the ground, his 
armor absorbing some of the impact but rattling every bone in his 
body.  Kunou gasped in pain and then noticed the naked Ranko lying
on top of him, unconscious from the impact but otherwise appearing 
intact.

	"Master Kunou!"

	Kunou turned his head to see Sasuke and Gosunkugi rushing 
towards them along with several ninjas.  Sasuke quickly knelt by 
Kunou's side and checked for serious injuries while Gosunkugi tried not
to faint again, pitching his nose as he saw the naked princess laying on 
her front.

	"I am but hurt...."  Kunou softly said as he tried to rise.

	"I fear not, Master Kunou.  You have several broken ribs and
a concussion.  With the proper medical attention and magic herbs you 
should be well again in a few days...."

	"Nay!   The attack on Hyrule must be delayed not a single day,
not even a single hour.  It must proceed on schedule....AAAAARGHH!!!!"  
Kunou's was in tremendous pain as Sasuke ordered his ninja's to carry 
their fallen master inside the castle.

	"Help me with the princess."  Sasuke requested as he grabbed 
her arms while a blushing Gosunkugi grabbed her ankles and they carried
her back to the castle.

	"I fear we must delay the attack until you are well Master 
Kunou.  For how can we win without your leadership and presence to 
give us the strength we need to survive?"   Sasuke said to a moaning 
Kunou.

	"P....Perhaps you're right.  One cannot march to victory if the
band is uncertain on what notes to play.  Very well, we will attack as 
soon as I am in prime form."

	"W....What about the princess?"  Gosunkugi asked.

	"As soon as you tend to her injuries, put her back in one of the
guest rooms and....restrain her."  Kunou swallowed at the thought of his 
love tied down.  "Make absolutely certain she no longer has any other 
method to endanger her life.  Sasuke, I leave this matter personally to 
you."

	Gosunkugi suddenly had an idea.  "Perhaps if we used the 
love potion, it would...."

	"NO!  I will not have the princess see me like this, a broken
shell, easily fixed with the sands of time.  No, sorcerer, you will not
use the love potion until I say so and not before!"

	"Y....Yes master."  Gosunkugi looked away.

	"I'll fetch you the Healer Tofu as soon as I've attended to the
Princess, Sasuke said as he and Gosunkugi carried her back to one of the
rooms while Kunou was taken to his own room by the ninjas....   
			  

*	*	*	   	

    
	Kasumi swept the floor of the inn, hoping that Link had made it
safely to the old woman and hoping he would be able to bring back a 
permanent cure for her father.  She stopped sweeping for a moment and 
listened carefully.  Then she breathed a sigh of relief as she heard her 
father's ragged cough, a cough meant he was alive and that filled Kasumi
with some comfort as she placed her broom against the wall and walked 
over to check on him.

	"Father?  It's me."  Kasumi softly spoke as she knelt by her 
father's side, clasping his fragile hand, paper thin flesh against bone.

	"K....Kasumi...."  her father whispered softly.  He slowly 
opened his eyes and smiled as he saw her face.  "How wonderful for
you to visit your dying father....it's been so long...."

	Kasumi nodded as tears stung at her eyes.  She had been in to
check on him no more than half an hour ago.  Her father was beginning
to lose his sense of time, as he had everything else.

	Before he was ill, Soun Tendou had been a strong and proud
figure, he owned the largest inn in town and business was good.  And 
though he had lost his wife to the plague and his other daughter Nabiki
to marriage, Soun refused to let his spirits fall as he ran the inn with his
daughter Kasumi and even had been dating a young woman, by the name 
of Hinako.  Kasumi had been jealous at first of another woman taking 
her mother's place but Hinako proved to be a warm caring person who
truly loved her father.

	 Then as the disease struck him, within one month, Soun was
a cripple.  Within two he was almost unrecognizable.  Hinako stayed by 
his side almost as often as Kasumi did until Soun told Hinako to go.  
He could not bear for her to waste her youth taking care of someone in
his condition.  Hinako refused to leave him so Soun had told her he 
didn't love her anymore.  Hinako was crushed and ran out of the inn in
tears.  Kasumi later found Hinako and told her Soun didn't mean what 
he said but that it might be best for her to leave him alone since he 
couldn't bear to see her suffer.  Hinako reluctantly agreed and has not
visited the inn once since that time.

	Now as Kasumi stared down at the face of her father, she
wondered if she had made the correct choice.  Hinako was no doubt
suffering as much as her father was, especially since Kasumi told her
the truth.  Perhaps she should try to visit her, to convince her to come
back and try to offer hope to her father....

	"Kasumi!" a voice rang out.

	"Link?"  Kasumi turned back to her father.  "I'll be right back."
she said as she turned and quickly walked back into the main room.  
"Welcome back....Oh!  I see you've brought guests."

	Cologne cleared her throat.  "Could you show us to your 
father's room?"

	Kasumi looked down and stared at the withered troll and 
frowned, her voice rising slightly in volume as she asked.  "Did you 
put a curse on my father?  Because if you did....I'll....I'll...."

	"You'll what?"  Cologne asked challengingly.

	"I'll have to ask you to leave."  Kasumi finished, satisfied she
had made her point.

	Everyone facefaulted.  Then Cologne got back up and laughed.

	"I like this girl.  She had spirit."  She turned to face Kasumi.  
"I assure you I did not curse your father.  I was angry that he turned my
granddaughter down after so many others had failed to prove themselves
worthy but I did not curse him."

	"My father said you vowed revenge!"  Kasumi retorted, trying
not to be intimidated by the witch.

	"Yes, at the time I couldn't think of a proper punishment so
I simply vowed revenge.  Then I found the perfect way.  From this time
forward, anything he buys from our wagon is no longer 50% off
for him.  He must pay full price from now on."

	Ranma and Kasumi facefaulted while Shampoo was looking 
around the inn with a childlike curiosity.  

	"You mean Soun rejected your granddaughter and only has to 
pay a little more coin while I rejected your granddaughter and you gave 
me a fairy curse!?!?  What kind of stupid deal is that?!?"  Ranma 
bellowed, enraged.    

	"Soun only rejected my daughter, he didn't cook a foreign 
substance at our sacred banquet....

	"DON'T START WITH THAT AGAIN, YOU OLD GHOUL!!!"

	While Ranma and Cologne were engaged in a shouting match,
Kasumi could no longer hold back and she screamed "PLEASE STOP!
MY FATHER IS DYING!!!"

	Ranma immediately stopped and turned to face her.  Kasumi
had tears streaming down her cheeks and Ranma instantly regretted his
actions.

	"I'm sorry.  I forgot what was most important right now.  Please
forgive me."  Ranma said as he bowed in apology.

	"Yes, lead me to where your father rests and I will do what I can
to help him.  Ranma, please lead my granddaughter to where my possible 
future son-in-law rests.  Shampoo will perform the initial judgment and
then inform me if he is worthy for the final test.

	"Uh...."  Ranma hesitated.  Ryouga was still sleeping off his 
drunken stupor after being rejected by Akari.  Ranma realized he hadn't
completely thought this through when he chose Ryouga as her new 
husband.  He should have picked Mousse.  Mousse was still a day's travel
away and was single. He probably would have made the better choice.  
Ranma sighed as he lead Shampoo to the boy's room....

	Meanwhile Cologne carefully looked at the sleeping form of
Soun Tendo.  Kasumi stood behind her and watched, concern and fear
in her eyes as she prayed the old woman could help her father.  When 
Cologne failed to say anything after a long moment, Kasumi couldn't
stand it anymore.  "Can't you do anything for him?" she pleaded, her 
eyes red from her tears.

	 "He is under a very powerful enchantment.  Only one person 
besides myself could have cast such a spell."	

	"W....Who?"

	"Kodachi Kunou.  Sister of Lord Kunou.  She is a powerful but
mentally unstable ogress.  She learned the black arts from her mother 
when she was four years of age and was taught to use her powers for 
evil and malice, with no true purpose.  For her mother was mentality 
unstable as well."

	"Have....Have you ever met her?"  Kasumi nervously asked.

	"Fortunately, no.  She keeps to herself most of the time, 
terrorizing a small portion of the realm.  I can remove this curse but
it requires a ingredient that I fear only Kodachi herself possesses."

	"What ingredient?  Tell me, please!"  Kasumi begged.

	"The essence of a black rose.  Kodachi is the only person in 
Hyrule who breeds black roses for her own dark purposes.  In order to
make an antidote, I require the liquid essence of a black rose.  She 
should keep some in her witch's coven but do not expect to gain it
so easily.  She will undoubtedly have it well guarded along with the
rest of her coven."

	"Link will get the essence.  I have faith in him." Kasumi said
firmly.

	"Link?"  Cologne raised an eyebrow.

	"Yes, he said he name was Link and that he was a traveler 
from far away."  Kasumi replied, confused.

	"Did he now.....?"


*	*	*


	Ranma impatiently waited outside the door as Shampoo 
proceeded with her examination of Ryouga.  For a moment he thought
she was going to simply seduce the unconscious boy only to be surprised
when Shampoo kept her clothes on and seemed to be judging his muscles
and ability to take damage as she placed a palm on his chest and gently 
tapped it with her other.  She did this all over his chest, performing some
sort of test that Ranma couldn't begin to fathom so he gave up and 
decided to wait outside until she finished her bizarre tests.  He found it
strange that Shampoo hadn't given him these kinds of tests before she 
decided he'd be a good husband.  Then again, Ryouga hadn't imposed 
a curse on himself to save Ukyou from the same fate....

	Then Shampoo emerged, slightly disheveled.  "It is done.  He 
pass first test, even if he drunk."  Then Shampoo walked away down the
hall.  Suspicious of Shampoo's strange appearance after leaving the room, 
Ranma glanced inside the room but nothing appeared to be amiss.  
Perhaps he was simply assuming the worst about Shampoo, not hard 
considering how she had thrown herself at him in China and back at the 
campfire just a little while ago.  If Ryouga was proved worthy, he could 
only hope Shampoo would stay true to him, unlike Akari who stayed true 
to whoever she was with at the time.... 

	Ranma closed the door and headed back towards the hall and
paused when he saw Shampoo, Cologne and Kasumi gathered around
the bedside of a sickly looking person who could only be Kasumi's 
father.  Ranma joined them and Cologne filled him in on what she had
discovered.

	Ranma thought for a moment.  "So what you're saying is, we 
have to travel to this place where Kodachi lives and steal some of that
rose stuff and bring it back here?  That shouldn't be too hard."

	"Son-in....Ranma, I would not take Kodachi lightly.  She is 
equal to me in terms of magical knowledge and if she manages to 
entrap or enslave you somehow, I fear you will be better off dead."

	"I'm not afraid.  I'll fight her, get her stupid essence and be 
back here before you know it, no sweat!"  Ranma said confidently.

	"Shampoo go too!"  Shampoo said in an excited voice.

	Cologne sighed.  She wished that youth wasn't so impatient 
and brash sometimes.  "Very well.  I will remain here and keep this 
man alive until you return."

	"Okay and I'll bring Ryouga as well.  It'll give Shampoo and
him a chance to get to know one another."  Ranma said.

	Cologne smiled thinly.  "Yes....That would be acceptable."

	"Okay then, we leave at dawn!  I'm going to get some sleep!
Good night."  Ranma said as he left the room and walked out towards 
one of the rooms.  He picked one and opened it, it was just like 
Ryouga's room, one bed and a lantern.  Kasumi had evidently sold every
piece of superfluous furniture in all of the rooms to keep the inn going 
financially.  He closed the door behind him and lit the lantern, it cast a
warm ruddy glow as he lay back on the bed and stared up at the ceiling.

	A few moments later, there was a knock on the door.  
"Yeah?"  Ranma replied.

	"It's me."  Kasumi's timid voice replied.  "May I come in?"

	"Uh....sure."  Ranma replied and sat up as Kasumi entered the 
room.  

	She walked over to where he sat and looked down at her feet, 
shuffling them nervously.  Ranma noticed this and asked.  "Is something
wrong Kasumi?"  he asked.

	"I just wanted....I mean....I wanted to thank you for doing 
this for my father and me.  I've never known someone to be so kind 
and not expect anything in return...."  Kasumi hesitated for a moment
then continued.  "I want to....that is....I...."

	Kasumi suddenly rushed forward and gave Ranma a quick kiss 
on his lips then quickly withdrew, blushing furiously.  
"T...Thank you....goodnight...." Kasumi stuttered as she quickly 
retreated from his room, leaving a shocked Ranma sitting on the bed, 
staring after her....  	


(Fade to Black)


PART 5

	The faint sounds of music and celebration were heard as 
Ranma Saotome along with his companions Ryouga Hibiki and 
Shampoo, made their way over a hill and caught sight of a meadow
decorated with banners and pavilions.

	"There it is!"  Ranma shouted as he quickened his pace.
Shampoo looked curiously at the sight and then turned to her new
fiancee.  "Ai Ren find friend here?"

	Ryouga winced at Shampoo addressing him as her beloved
husband.  He had originally been furious at Ranma when he 
discovered he was promised to Shampoo while intoxicated.  He had
just gone through a very painful break up with Akari and the last
thing he wanted to hear was words like "love" and "husband"

	Ranma had begged him to go along with it for now for
the sake of the Princess and Hyrule, adding he would be well 
rewarded for his help.  Ryouga didn't care that much about money 
but since losing Akari, he decided there were worse things than
staying drunk and poor in a run down inn.  Ranma had tried to point
out that Shampoo was a really beautiful girl but that only reminded
him of how beautiful Akari had been.

	"Ai Ren?  Where you going?"

	Ryouga looked up and noticed he was walking away from
Ranma and the festival.  Ryouga quickly changed direction and 
broke into a run, pulling Shampoo along with him, in order to 
catch up to Ranma, cursing his sense of direction along the way.

	Shampoo frowned as she heard her husband-to-be speak 
many words she didn't recognize.  "Ryouga?  What does "shit" 
mean?

	"Huh?"  Ryouga glanced at Shampoo, trying to pay attention
to her and the direction he was traveling at the same time.  
"Oh....um....it means....well...."

	"Well?"  Shampoo inquired.

	"It's another word for when you have to....um....go to the
bathroom....number two....get the idea?

	Shampoo considered that for a moment and then her face 
seemed to brighten.  "Oh!  Ryouga mean *Warm leavings of a 
Cow!*"

	Ryouga nodded, deciding that was close enough.

	"Come on you guys!  I can't wait here all day!"  Ranma
admonished as they finally caught up to him.  Then they all entered
the meadow.

	Shampoo was in awe, having spent most of her life on the 
road and among her small village, she had never seen so many people
in one place before.  Ranma and Ryouga had been to many festivals
but none the less, grinned as they took it all in.

	It was the St. Hebereke Day Fair, renowned across Hyrule as
the liveliest festival in the land.  As the trio progressed further into 
the town, they were surrounded by tents, food stalls and pavilions.

	The crowds swirled around them, revealing occasional 
glimpses of sword-swallowers, jugglers, strolling musicians and 
merchants selling their wares.

	"DOLLAR EACH! DOLLAR EACH! DOLLAR EACH!  
ONE GENUINE IMITATION KEYRING IN THE SHAPE OF THE
TRIFORCE, ONLY ONE DOLLAR EACH!  FIRST HUNDRED 
CUSTOMERS GET A FREE COMPASS!"  a merchant shouted loud
enough for Ryouga to hear.

	"Hey!  I'll take one!  That's just what I need!"  Ryouga 
exclaimed as he rushed through the crowd and quickly purchased a 
keyring.  After throwing it away, he looked at his new compass.

	"This should make it harder for me to get lost, eh Ranma?"
Ryouga said with a grin as he looked up.  The grin quickly 
disappeared when he noticed Ranma and Shampoo were nowhere
in sight and the crowd was still surrounding him.

	"Ranma?"

	  
*	*	* 	   


	"But Ai Ren....!"

	"Don't worry about Ryouga.  He gets lost a lot but he 
always manages to find me again somehow.  We'll catch up with
him later."  Ranma assured a worried Shampoo as they ducked down
a street where it was less crowded.

	Eventually they came to the heart of the fair.  As they 
rejoined the stream of people traveling to and fro, they caught sight 
of an amphitheater overlooking a stage.  Ranma lead Shampoo 
towards it until a large poster came into view.  It read....

	"COME SEE THE MAGNIFICENT MOUSSE!!!"

	"Master of Dark Magic!" 

	"Monarch of Mystery!"	

	"See him perform miracles without his eyes!"

	"Appearing Daily!"

	Ranma found it hard to keep from laughing as he saw the
image of his friend, dressed in his usual white robes and a black 
bandanna wrapped around his eyes, next to the words of the poster.  
"Same old Mousse."  Ranma thought fondly to himself as he entered 
the theater with Shampoo in tow.

	"Mousse use magic like Shampoo?"  Shampoo asked Ranma 
as she took a seat next to him.  Unlike the vast crowds and numerous
vendors outside, Shampoo knew a theater when she saw one, had
seen many dances and songs performed in a smaller one in her 
village.

	"Sort of."  Ranma replied.  "Mousse's magic is mostly skill 
and hard work but there is one trick he does that is very similar to 
your cat transformation."

	Shampoo frowned.  "True magic IS hard work.  Is easy to 
change into cat now but take Shampoo many years to master.  
Much focus needed." 

	"I didn't mean to insult you.  I just meant that Mousse's 
magic may be a little different than the one you're used to."  Ranma
clarified.

	Shampoo nodded in understanding as the amphitheater 
continued to fill up with fairgoers, eager to see Mousse.  Ranma 
knew they wouldn't be disappointed.  

	"Too bad Ryouga couldn't be here to see this...."


*	*	*


	"Damn you, Ranma!"  Ryouga shouted in frustration as he
searched in vain for the amphitheater.  He knew Shampoo and 
Ranma would be there by now and that unless he hurried up, he was
going to miss Mousse's show.  His compass was proving useless 
since he didn't know what direction the theater was in and he hadn't
asked anyone for directions because he was too embarrassed. 

	Finally, he decided to swallowed his pride and went over to 
a booth where clothes of all types were for sale.  Strangely, dispite the 
crowd in the streets, the booth was completely deserted, as if people 
were deliberately avoiding it.  Ryouga banged his hand on the 
counter, requesting attention.  After a moment, a young girl appeared 
from behind the counter, looking the worse for wear.  She looked at
Ryouga for a moment and then exclaimed with surprise.

	"You....You can see me?"

	"Umm...yes?"  Ryouga replied, a confused expression on his
face.

	The girl's expression of surprise quickly turned into 
desperation.  "Please buy some clothes from me!  I beg you!"
	
	"Umm...Actually I was just wondering if you could tell me
where to find the amphitheater.  I'm supposed to meet some friends
there and....
	
	"It's about ten booths to the east.  You can't miss it."  The
girl replied hurriedly.  "Now can you please buy some of my wares?
She gestured frantically at the clothes in front of her.

	"Well, I really can't stay too long....The show's about to 
begin and ....

	The girl suddenly grabbed his arm and gave him a pleading
look as she whimpered.  "PLEASE!   I beg you!  Buy some clothing!  
If I return to my master without any profits, I'll be punished!"   

	"W....Why isn't anyone else buying clothes?"  Ryouga asked 
the girl, wondering why she seemed so determined to make a sale.

	"They....They can't."  The girl released Ryouga's arm and 
lowered her head.   "You see, I was foolish and angered the ruler of 
this realm, Kunou Kodachi."

	Ryouga's eyes widened at the mention of the name.  Ranma 
had filled him in on Kodachi's evil curse on Soun and Kasumi.  It 
seemed she was now picking on this girl as well.

	"What happened?"  Ryouga wondered aloud.

	"I was recently sold into slavery by my father in exchange 
for payment of his debts to an evil old man and his wife.  I performed
many tasks in their house until the wife convinced her husband to
put me to work at the fair, I think she felt sorry for me."

	The girl took a deep breath and continued  "She gave me
some clothes to sell here at the fair but some of them had 
wildflowers on them and I didn't realize...."

	"Realize what?"  Ryouga asked.

	Tears began to form in the girl's eyes as she replied.  
"Mistress Kodachi had expressly forbidden any flowers other than 
black roses, to be in her kingdom.  When she came to the fair one 
day and saw my flowers, she screamed curses at me and then cast a 
spell that made me dead to this village.  They pass by as if they don't 
even see me and ever since I haven't been able to sell a single piece 
of clothing.  If my master finds out about this...."  The girl trembled 
in fear. 

	Ryouga couldn't believe it.  To be so cruel over such a petty
matter was truly evil.  Ryouga didn't know Kodachi very well but
that didn't stop him from forming an instant dislike of her.

	"What's your name?"  Ryouga inquired.

	"M....Makimura, Kaori."  The girl replied timidly.

	"Kaori, Me and my friends plan to put an end to Kodachi's
evil once and for all.  Once she's been defeated, I'll find a way to 
have your curse lifted.  I swear it!"

	The girl's eyes widened in fear.  "F....Fight Kodachi?  Truly,
you must be mad!  No one who had ventured to her covel has ever 
lived to tell the tale!"

	"Don't worry.  We're not so easily beaten.  With Ranma by
my side and Shampoo...."

	"Ranma?!  As in *Prince Ranma* of Hyrule!?!"  The girl
exclaimed in amazement.

	Ryouga winced.  He hadn't meant to give Ranma's identity 
away and he knew Ranma wanted to keep a low profile.  Then he
remembered that no one else could hear her voice away and breathed
a sigh of relief.

	"Yes.  He, I, and another girl named Shampoo will be 
traveling to Kodachi's covel and then to Lord Kunou's realm to 
finally defeat them once and for all.  In the meantime, here's some
money to give to your master.  (Ryouga handed her some coins.)   
I hope it's enough to satisfy your master's desires until we get the 
job done.  Farewell."  Ryouga said as he turned to leave.

	"Wait!  What is your name, kind sir!"  The girl called out
to him.

	"Hibiki, Ryouga."  Ryouga replied with a smile as he left,
failing to notice the girl smiling behind him....

	Just before she disappeared.

 
*	*	*


	"Utterly ridiculous!"  Kodachi cackled as she gazed
into her cauldron, the vision of Ryouga leaving the clothing stand 
beginning to disappear.

	"Heroes....Always ready to aid a damsel in distress....even
when the damsel is my slave!"  Kodachi gazed over to her right 
where Kaori was standing with a blank look in her eyes.

	"You did very well, little hussy!"  Kodachi spat at the girl.
"Now that I know they are coming, I should bake a cake!"  Kodachi
proclaimed as she raised her arms and suddenly a birthday cake with
thick black icing and little black roses appeared in front of her.  
"Now then, who should be the one to receive this little gesture of 
mine...."

	Kodachi gazed into the cauldron and another vision soon
came before her.  The vision of a girl not yet reunited with her 
comrades.  It set the stage nicely for a most unexpected ambush....

	"You there!"  Kodachi raised a long twisted finger at Kaori,
whom stood silent and unmoving.  "You will deliver this cake to 
this girl...."  Kodachi gestured at the vision.  "Tell her it is a gift from
her husband."

	With that, Kodachi gestured again at the cake and it 
suddenly changed from black into white.  The roses on the cake 
turning a blood red color....


*	*	*


	Princess Ranko sighed inwardly as she lay on Kunou's bed,
wearing a low cut gown that Kunou had picked out for her.  She was 
securely tied down to prevent any further attempts to take her own 
life or escape.  In addition, she was guarded 24 hours a day by three 
different knights rotating in 8 hour shifts.  She was only released to 
go to the bathroom and even then under escort.  Kunou wasn't 
taking any more chances.

	Although Kunou was still recovering from his injuries from
the fall, she knew he was healing rapidly and that soon he would 
come to her again and she would be unable to stop him.  That is if she
continued to be helpless....

	Of the three knights guarding her, Ranko noticed that one of 
them stared at her body whenever he thought she or anyone else 
wasn't looking at him.  She figured he had gotten a good look at her 
when she had been naked and was now quite attracted to her 
physically.  The other two didn't even give her a second glance.

	She was allowed to go to the bathroom three times a day, 
no more.  Each time was with a different guard watching over her.
This meant that her ropes were untied and she was lead over to the 
small but private washroom in Kunou's own bedroom where the 
guard would then wait for her to finish and come out.

	She had already tried to find a means of escape in the 
washroom but either Sasuke had foreseen that possibility and
removed all possible items that could have been used as a weapon,
or Kunou simply shaved in a different room.

	Now, with time rapidly running out and her other opinions
exhausted, Ranko had no choice but to resort to a plan that she 
wished she could have avoided.


*	*	*

	
	The guard instantly looked away as he noticed the princess 
looking his way, praying he hadn't been caught staring at her again.  
He couldn't help it.  He had been without a woman for so long and 
when he had caught a glimpse of her naked flesh....

	The guard force the image out of his mind.  He couldn't 
afford to think things like that.  If Overlord Kunou ever found out he
had been staring at his bride-to-be...."

	"Excuse me?"

	The guard glanced towards the voice and noticed it was the
princess that asked the question.  He started to turn away again....

	"Why are you torturing yourself?"

	Her voice was low, husky, or did it only seem that way?  
Drawing upon his military discipline, the guard stiffened his posture
and met her gaze while replying in a even tone.  "I don't know what 
you mean."

	The princess gave him a smile, a very sultry smile.  "You
know what I mean.  Standing there hour after hour after hour...."

	She took in a long, deep breath, leaning back to push her 
expanding bosom outwards.  The guard's eyes were fixed on the 
princess's chest for a moment before forcing himself to look away.

	"I don't know what you mean."  He repeated in the same even
tone.

	"Wanting to touch me....to kiss me....to make me your own...."
Ranko continued in a very slow and deliberate manner.   
	
	"Excuse me?"  The guard replied, the slightest tremor 
evident in his voice.

	"Don't tell me a man as....strong and manly as you....aren't 
afraid to take advantage of a situation when it presents itself...."  The
princess replied in a voice that caused the guard's knees to grow 
weak.

	"I don't know what you...."  The guard began.

	"You know EXACTLY what I mean."  Ranko's voice 
elevated a notch.  "My bathroom break is in fifteen minutes and 
you're not going to be relived for another three hours.  I don't need
to tell you what could happen in three hours time, do I?"

	The guard felt his mouth grow dry.  He needed a drink, he
needed to get his mind back on his duty....

	"All you would have to do is untie me and then we could 
have plenty of time to get to know each other better before that 
other guard comes to spoil our fun.  You want to have fun with me,
don't you?"

	  The guard desperately tried to block out her voice but it
was becoming increasingly difficult, Ranko's suggestions were
imprinting themselves in his mind, wild visions began appearing in 
his imagination.....

	"NO!"  The guard yelped more than screamed and forced
himself to stand at attention.  "Kunou would have my head!"

	There was a short pause.  Then he could hear the princess's 
voice again.  He tried not to listen....

	"No one would have to know.  Not Kunou.  Not the other 
guards.  No one."  She paused again.  "I've always wanted to be with 
a real man.  Kunou and Ranma are nothing compared to you.  I want
to wraps my arms around you....

	"Stop...."  The guard ordered.

	"To feel your sweaty muscular chest against my breasts...."

	"Stop!"  The guard nearly shouted.   	
 	
	The princess moaned softly.  The guard was nearly at his 
wit's end by her teasing.  Then she suddenly ceased as she asked, in
a normal tone of voice.

	"Can I go to the bathroom now?"
	
	The guard blinked and tried to get his heartrate back to 
normal as he replied.  "S....sure."

	The guard slowly walked over to Princess Ranko, his entire
frame shivering slightly as he gently undid the ropes that held her 
down.  Once that was done, she rose to her feet and walked 
provocatively toward the bathroom, her hips swaying as the guard 
followed from behind.  Then she closed the door while he waited
outside.

	Try as he might, the guard could not get the princess's 
voice out of his head.  Her proposition flooded through his mind
and he found himself staring out the window, wondering how much
time he had left until the next shift....

	Then Ranko emerged from the bathroom, smiling seductively
at him as he lead her back to the bed.  As they reached it, he drew in a 
sharp breath as the princess suddenly leaned back against him and 
raised her arms behind her and around his neck.

	"Don't fight it...."  She whispered as she tilted her head 
sideways, her lips an inch from his own.  She was close enough for
him to read her lips as she silently begged.  

	"Make love to me...."
	
	The guard couldn't take it any more as he finally gave in to
temptation and his lips found Ranko's.  They kissed for a long 
moment before the guard placed his hands over his breasts.  As he
began to fondle them, the princess suddenly turned around to face him
and wrapped her arms around his neck again.  Their tongues moved in
and out of each other's mouths as Ranko fell back onto the bed with
the guard on top of her.  She wrapped her long legs tightly around 
his waist while moving her hands up and down his back.  He could
feel his heart pounding furiously as he gave himself to pleasure.  

	Then she grabbed the back of the guard's head and pressed 
his face down into her breasts.  She gasped in pleasure as the guard 
ran his tongue along the sides of them, kissing madly.  When he 
started to kiss between them, she suddenly increased the pressure on 
the back of his head tremendously.  The guard figured she was getting
carried away when he suddenly realized he couldn't breathe.  He 
panicked and tried to get up only to have her grip tighten even 
further.  He tried to bite, to scream for help, to cry out in rage at
him being deceived when he found himself rapidly losing 
consciousness.
	 
	 
*	*	*
	     

	Princess Ranko finally released the grip on the guard's 
neck about a minute after he stopped flailing about.  Her arms aching 
from the effort, she slowly pushed the guard off of her and rose to her 
feet.  She then quickly and with much disgust, wiped off the guard's 
saliva from her blouse and breasts, pausing to spit out the remains 
of the guard's french kiss.

	"What did he eat for lunch anyway?  Yuck!"  Ranko 
complained as she spat on the floor again.  Then she grabbed the 
guard's weapons and was about to leave when she glanced back at
the unconscious guard.

	On one hand, she was tempted to just leave him there since
he had obviously sworn loyalty to Kunou.  On the other hand, she 
knew Kunou would behead, possibly even torture the guard for failing
to keep her here.  And she did feel a mite guilty about leading him on
like that....

	She walked back over to the bed, took out the knife she had
stolen from the guard and plunged it into his chest, killing him 
instantly.  It was a merciful death, compared to what Kunou would 
have done to him.

	Loose ends tied up, Ranko carefully listened at the door for
guards and then opened the door to reveal an empty hallway.

	The next guard wasn't due to arrive for two hours yet, with 
any luck, she would be out of the castle and far away before anyone
knew she was gone....


*	*	*	 


	Meanwhile, back at the now fully packed Amphitheater, 
Ranma awaits the presence of his friend on stage while Shampoo 
wonders where her Ai Ren had run off to.  Then a man walks out on
stage and announced in a loud voice.

	"Ladies and Gentlemen, it is now my pleasure to introduce 
our star attraction.  He is the Master of Modern Mystery, The 
Magnificent Mousse!

	There is much applause and cheering as Mousse walks out,
waving and bowing towards the crowd.  The black bandanna covering
his eyes didn't hinder his movements in the least as he made his way to
the center of the stage and waited until the volume dies down before
beginning to speak.

	"Much thanks for that warm greeting!"  he began, a sly grin
evident on his face.  "As you've no doubt noticed by now, I am blind 
yet I am able to perform feats such as this!"

	Without warning, Mousse pulled a needle and a thread from 
his cloak and quickly threaded the needle through it's eye with no 
trouble whatsoever.  The audience laughed and cheered as he did it 
again, turning around and threading it behind his back to the 
audience.

	"Some of you might be saying, *Big deal.*  Well my friends,
let's see if you think this is a big deal!  Bring out the arrows!

	Mousse waited patiently while an assistant brought out a bow
and a large bunch of arrows.

	"In case you haven't seen the show before, allow me to 
elaborate what I'm about to do here.  My assistant will shoot arrows
directly at me, some at my head, some at my heart, some at my 
stomach, and if my assistant has been hitting the old sake again, 
possibly even lower than that!"

	The crowd laughed while Mousse continued.  "Some of these
arrows have red feathers at the end while the rest have blue feathers.
Not only...."  Mousse paused dramatically.  "Not only....will I 
intercept every single arrow before it can strike me.  I will *break* 
any red feather arrows shot at me and *catch* any blue arrows shot 
at me!  All without the use of my eyes!  How will I know which 
color is which?  That's why it's called magic folks!  Are you ready?

	The crowd roared it's approval as the assistant took aim.  
Mousse took a moment to prepare himself and then waited with his
hands behind his back.  The assistant let fly with an arrow.  It flew
swiftly towards Mousse and the instant before it impaled him, 
Mousse caught the arrow between his fingers.  It was blue.

	There was much applause and cheering.  "I guess that means
I caught the right arrow!"  Mousse exclaimed as the audience laughed
again.  "But then again, catching only ONE arrow could be a 50/50
chance, right?  So let's increase the odds and have THREE arrows 
shot at me at the same time and to make sure I'm not cheating, I'll
let the audience choose the color for me!"

	As the assistants went out into the audience and found 
volunteers to choose the colors for the three arrows, Ranma leaned
closer to Shampoo and whispered.  "Mousse is just warming up you 
know....

	"Really?"

	"Yep.  I know for a fact that he can catch seven arrows at 
once.  He's just building up suspense.

	"Mousse can only catch seven?"  Shampoo asked.

	"I think so.  I don't think he's fast enough for eight."

	The assistants returned to the stage with the audience's 
three color choices.  "Okay then!  Watch now as I single handedly....

	"WAIT!"  a loud voice rang out in the Amphitheater. 
    
	"Huh?"  Mousse was startled by the voice and turned 
towards the source.

	"Shampoo have challenge for Mousse!"

	"Shampoo, what the hell are you doing?!  Sit down!"  
Ranma whispered, embarrassed that his friends performance was
being interrupted.

	"A challenge?"  Mousse repeated, dumbfounded by this
interruption.

	"Shampoo challenge Mousse to catch NINE arrows at once.
Then Shampoo believe Mousse true master!"  Shampoo exclaimed
loud enough for everyone to hear.

	"N....Nine?"  Mousse repeated, a touch of uncertainly in 
his voice.  "Um....Maybe seven would be enough!  Who wants to see
me catch seven arrows at once!"

	The crowd started to cheer but lapsed into silence as 
Shampoo taunting voice was heard again.  "Mousse no master!  
Even children in amazon village catch seven arrows at once!  
Nine should be easy for MASTER."  The last word held considerable
contempt towards the blind magician.       
	 
	Mousse frowned.  On one hand he was tempted to tell this
rude girl where to get off for interrupting his show like this.  On the
other hand, his pride and honor had been challenged and while the 
crowd here would most likely forgive him for not rising to the 
challenge, it would still be a serious loss of face to him.

	"Very well.  If I should meet this challenge of yours, what do
I get in return?"  Mousse demanded to know.

	"You get Shampoo's respect."  Shampoo replied simply.

	"Respect, huh?"  Mousse scoffed.  "I think I already have the 
respect of these people here."  A round of applause greeted his words.
"But, if you truly think I am unworthy to have the title of master 
magician, then I accept your challenge!"

 	The crowd cheered, even louder than before, while Shampoo 
resumed her seat.  Ranma was mortified at Shampoo drawing attention
to herself like that.  "Why the hell did you do that?  Are you crazy!?!"
Ranma shouted at Shampoo.

	Shampoo didn't take her eyes off Mousse as she replied.  
"If Mousse true master then he do fine."

	"And if he dies?  How is that going to help our mission or
did you forget about that!"  Ranma hissed at her.

	"Stop stupid talk Ranma!  If Mousse no catch nine 
arrows, he no match for Kunou or Kodachi."  Shampoo replied 
calmly as she watched Mousse prepare himself for the task ahead.


*	*	*	

	
	Mousse was sweating as he thought to himself.  "What am 
I, nuts?!  I can barely handle EIGHT arrows, much less, NINE!      
Not only do I have to catch them, I have to judge which ones are red
and which ones are blue!  If I'm not real careful, I could die!"

	Mousse shook his head, he couldn't let himself think like
that.  After all it was only two more than he usually finished his act
with.  "Surely two more couldn't be that difficult, could it?"
	 
 	Mousse tried to calm himself as his assistants finished 
gathering the nine arrows that were picked by color from the 
audience.  When the assistant called out that they were ready, 
Mousse faced the audience one last time.

	"In case I don't survive this, you'll know who to blame." 
He laughed nervously with the audience and gestured towards the 
source of his challenger.  Then he turned around to face his 
assistants.

	The audience grew silent and Mousse could feel his heart
pounding against his ribs as he awaited the arrows....

	The assistants, with help from some of the more able 
audience members, fired nine arrows simultaneously at the blind
magician, they raced towards their target, all aimed at different 
points in the body, many of them lethal....

	Mousse's arms became blurs as he attacked the oncoming
arrows.  His reflexes taking over.  Blue! Blue! Red! Blue! Red! Red! 
Blue! Re....!

	The audience was stunned into silence, Ranma's mouth was
agape in shock while Shampoo turned away in disgust.

	Mousse was still alive.  Four red feathered arrows lay 
broken at his feet, Four blue arrows rested between his fingers and 
in the palms of his hands....

	The final blue arrow, it's sharp tip resting about a 
millimeter from Mousse's groin, was held between his knees.

	Sweat dripped from Mousse's forehead and he was still 
shaking when he heard the audience begin to clap, then cheer, 
then it was if the place had exploded as Mousse was given a standing 
ovation.  Among the voices he suddenly heard a familiar cry.

	"WAY TO GO, MOUSSE!!!"

	Mousse knew that voice, it could only belong to one person,
someone he hadn't seen in a month.

	"R....Ranma?"


*	*	*


	It was almost an hour later and the moon had begun to rise 
in the sky when Mousse walked out of the Amphitheater.  Ranma was 
beside him with Shampoo close behind.

	 "That was incredible!  I've never seen you move that fast
before!"  Ranma was still telling Mousse how impressed he was at 
catching all of the arrows.  Mousse knew Ranma had been impressed
but at the same time, he knew Ranma enough that he was trying to 
apologize for Shampoo, who got him into the mess in the first place.

	"Thanks, Ranma.  I'm glad you liked the show.  Next time
you might want to give me a little warning before you bring HER
along!"  Mousse gestured behind him.

	"RANMA!"

	Ranma and Mousse looked up to see Ryouga standing in 
front of them, looking VERY annoyed.

	"Hey, Ryouga.  Where were you?  You just missed Mousse
do the neatest trick...."

	"I was lost because you and...."  Ryouga started to growl.

	"AI REN!!!"  Shampoo exclaimed with joy as she crushed
Ryouga with a bear hug.  Ryouga gasped for air.  "S....Shampoo, 
let go of me!"

	Shampoo did, giving Ryouga a chance to catch his breath.
"I was lost...."  Ryouga gasped.  "Because you and Shampoo didn't
wait for me while I was buying a new compass!"

	"Compass?"  Ranma said in disbelief.  "If you had a 
compass, what took you so long to find us?"

	"I was in the theater with you!  I just couldn't find the door 
until the crowd was gone and everyone just looked at me funny when
I asked for directions.  By the way, that was a really neat trick you did
with the arrows.  I was tempted to yell out *twelve arrows!* after 
Shampoo's challenge, but I thought I'd give you a break."  he grinned.

	"Thanks a bunch."  Mousse replied sarcastically.  "Nice to 
see you again, too."  he added with a grin of his own.  

	"Ditto and thanks for letting us staying at your house for the 
night."  Ranma added.  "We'll need a good night's sleep before we
continue on our way to find Ukyou."

	Mousse smiled.  "I wouldn't worry about that, Ranma.  
Ukyou doesn't live down by the mountains anymore."

	"Really?"  Ranma voice was laced with concern.  "You 
mean she's moved on?"

	"Not exactly...."


(Fade to Black)


PART 6


	The sounds of metal clashing against stone shattered the 
silence of the stable as Akane Tendo slashed her sword against 
the tall pillar of stone.  She had been doing so for over an hour, trying 
to work out the incredible surge of anger that threatened to overwhelm 
her senses with every strike of her blade.

	Sparks spat out from the point of contact as Akane continued
the assault, sweat dripping down her face and her arms aching from 
the effort.  Still she continued, refusing to give up, refusing to allow 
herself even a short rest period.  Then she finally collapsed onto her 
knees, her tired body betraying her as she finally had to stop.  Tears
of anger, of a pain that couldn't be put into words, poisoned her very
soul....

	"Akane?"

	The voice was soft, gentle, it seemed to come from a million 
miles away.  Akane looked up to see the priestess Nodoka standing 
over her, a smile on her face though Akane couldn't ever remember 
a time when Nodoka didn't smile.  

	Akane had always considered Nodoka to be her mother, 
even though her biological mother had abandoned her as a baby on 
the doorstep of Hyrule Castle with a note pinned to her clothes, 
claiming she couldn't afford to take proper care of her.  Nodoka had 
raised Akane as her own, taking special care in educating her, 
teaching her right from wrong and even taught her how to use a 
sword when she expressed her desire to become a royal guard. 

	"Feel any better?"  Nodoka inquired, without a trace of 
sarcasm or ill-will in her tone as she ran her fingers along the 
battered post.

	"No...."  Akane whispered, her eyes still brimming with 
tears.  "I won't feel better.  Not until the princess is back with us, 
safe from evil like Kunou.....safe from...."  Akane's voice trailed off.

	"You care a great deal about Ranko, don't you?"  Nodoka 
said.  

	"More than you'll ever know...."  Akane thought to herself
before answering.  "Yes.  I feel like I failed her when she needed me
most."

	"Did you try your best?"

	Akane looked up at Nodoka,  anger and disbelief in her eyes.
"Of course I did!  I tried to save her!  I was desperate to save her!  But
I was too slow, I wasn't strong enough...."

	"Rubbish."  Nodoka replied.  "Ranko wouldn't have made you
the captain of her guards if she wasn't confident of your abilities."

	"And where did that confidence get her?!  She's been 
kidnapped, 10 of my guards were killed, there's no telling what that
bastard Kunou is doing to her right now!"  Akane almost screamed 
at Nodoka.

	"And you think pitying yourself will bring her back?  That
if you keep striking your sword against that stone it will change what
has already happened?"

	Akane sighed, some of her anger beginning to fade as 
Nodoka's words broke through her stubbornness to stay angry at herself.	

	"You cannot blame yourself for the loss of the princess.  Your
men fought bravely, kept you from being kidnapped as well and gave
you time to prepare the castle against Kunou's next attack."  Nodoka 
pointed out in a calm voice.  "You cannot let your love for Ranko 
blind you to what must be done here.  

	Akane spun around to stare at Nodoka in shock.  

	"Y....You mean you k....know....?!"

	Nodoka's smile seemed to grow a little wider.  "I've known for
a long time now and while I can't say I entirely approve, I know Ranko
cares for you deeply and that she wouldn't want you to torture yourself
like you're doing now.  You must climb out of this pit of dispair 
you've dug for yourself and prepare for the battle ahead.  I didn't teach
you how to swing a sword so you could bury your head in the sand."

	Akane wiped the tears from her eyes as she nodded.  
"I know....I know you're right....It just hurts so much, mom...."

	Nodoka's voice softened.  "I know, my child....Let it out 
now, while we still have time...."

	Nodoka gently cradled Akane's head against her chest as 
Akane finally broke down completely and cried without shame.

	"Let it all out...."

	
*	*	*	


	The night air was cool as Ukyou Kuonji made her way 
around the back of her home, a piece of cloth wrapped around her 
to serve as a towel.  She was carrying wooden buckets filled with 
cold water in each of her hands.  Then Ukyou allowed the cloth to 
fall as she sat on a stone that served as a stool and poured one of the 
buckets over her head.  

	She felt a chill go through her entire frame as the water ran 
down her shivering naked body.  Then she quickly reached behind 
her and retrieved some soap that her husband had been fortunate 
enough to get at the fair and gently applied it over her body until
 she was covered with a layer of lather.  Then she grabbed the 
other bucket and rinsed off the soap, trembling from the icy water 
as it washed over her body again.  

	Cleansing complete, Ukyou wrapped the cloth around her and
quickly walked back into the house to retrieve a large black pot from 
over the fireplace.  After checking to make sure it was the right 
temperature, She made her way with it back outside and overturned 
the pot into a stone bath.  Steam rose from the bath as the hot water 
from the pot filled it up.  Then, Ukyou put the empty pot down, 
removed her cloth once more, and gently eased herself into the 
bath. 
	
	Ukyou sighed in contentment as the waters eased the tension 
in her muscles, relaxing them and her body ceased shivering.  As she
continued to soak in the tub, her mind began to wander....

	"Things sure have changed in the last month."  Ukyou 
remarked to herself.  "Kunou declares war on Hyrule, Ranma's 
engaged to marry the princess and now I'm married to Mousse."

	Ukyou smiled to herself as she remembered the day Mousse
finally confessed his love for her while she had been visiting.  It had 
been sudden and full of tenderness.  It had also caught her completely 
by surprise.

	She had ran from the house that night, it had been too much 
to deal with at the time.  The memory of her breakup with Ranma 
had still been tugging at her heart.  Mousse had searched for her for 
hours, finally finding her in the woods by following the sound of her
crying.

	Mousse then begged her forgiveness, sobbing that he never 
meant to hurt her.  She had felt tremendous guilt and assured 
him that it had caught her by surprise and that she needed time to 
think about it.  Three days later, they were happily married.  It was a
small ceremony and the priest was their only witness. 

	Since then, Ukyou had moved from her old place near the 
mountains into Mousse's house.  Although she loved the Mountains 
and she had spent her whole life among them, there were too many
painful memories of her childhood with Ranma there.  She felt she 
needed to make a clean break from her old relationship.  Besides, 
Mousse's house was much larger and in better condition than her old 
one and the bath was especially nice...

	Looking back on the past month, Ukyou had no regrets about 
her new marriage.  She had known Mousse for a long time, knew him
as a friend and now as a lover and supportive husband.  After Ranma
left, Ukyou had vowed never to love again, completely throwing her 
energy into her restaurant and the preparation of okonomiyaki.  She 
had always been independent and she tried to convince herself that she 
didn't need love to have a good life.  But the loneliness never left her, 
it intensified almost to the breaking point.  Ukyou had continued to 
wish that Ranma would come back to her, that he would forget
about the princess and Hyrule....

	Now her loneliness was gone, chased away like a dark 
cloud by Mousse.  For the first time in a long while, Ukyou was truly 
happy with her life and with herself.

	"Ucchan, I'm home!"

	Ukyou blinked and glanced towards the voice, then at the 
night sky.  "How long was I daydreaming?"  She wondered to herself
as she quickly got out of the tub and grabbed her towel.  She started
drying herself off when a idea struck her.  Smiling playfully, Ukyou 
allowed the towel to fall to the ground and then walked back into the
house, planning to give her husband a nice surprise when he reached 
out to embrace her....

	Only to be surprised herself when she saw Ryouga, Ranma and
Shampoo standing around her husband.  Ryouga took one look at her 
and while being with Akari had somewhat gotten him used to seeing a 
naked girl, blood still poured from his nose as he quickly averted his 
eyes.   Shampoo, what the hell was *she* doing here,  immediately 
went to his aid, crying out "Ai ren!" for some reason.  Ranma just 
blushed a vivid crimson, looking apologetic and very embarrassed.

	"What's wrong?"  A confused Mousse asked, unable to see 
his wife's lack of modesty.        
 
	"R....Ranchan!"  Ukyou's entire body turned pink from 
embarrassment as she frantically ran back outside to put her clothes on.
Meanwhile, Ranma was trying to stop Mousse from following her as 
Shampoo continued to tend to Ryouga's bloody nose.

	A few moments later, Ukyou emerged with her clothes on 
and an expression of anger.  Ranma was less than thrilled to notice
she also had her spatula with her.  "Uh....Hi Ucchan."  Ranma 
cautiously greeted his ex-fiancee.

	"You could have warned me, Mousse!"  Ukyou ignored 
Ranma completely as she turned her attention to Mousse.

	"Warn you about what?  What happened?"  Mousse asked.

	"They saw me...."  Ukyou began.

	"Never mind!"  Ranma quickly cut her off to prevent further
embarrassment.  "Sorry for barging in here like this, Ucchan.  Your 
husband invited us here to spend the night."  Ranma put a little 
more emphasis on the word *husband* that was really necessary. 

	"Still, you could have given a little warning...."  Ukyou 
grumbled.

	"Hey, you walked in on us!"  Ranma countered.

	"What's the big deal about walking in on someone?"  
Mousse almost shouted in frustration as Ranma and Ukyou continued
to argue while Ryouga went outside to find some water to wash his 
face, Shampoo guiding him along....


*	*	*


	There were days Sasuke *really* hated his job.

	He was the last descendant of a long line of ninjas that had 
pledged their lives to serve the Kunou family.  Throughout the Kunou 
family line, there had been the wise and there had been the foolish.  
The past two generations, Kouchou and his son, Tatewaki, definitely 
fit into the latter category, squandering their money on inconsequential 
vices and basically serving no real purpose in society.

	But that was before Tatewaki went on a journey to China 
to seek out rare clothes and jewelry for his previous wife, Nabiki.  
Now Tatewaki Kunou had returned almost a completely different man    
and, over the six months, had used his wealth to raise a powerful army 
to conquer Hyrule.

	Sasuke didn't know what could have possibly happened to his
master to change him like this but one way or another, Sasuke was 
going to find out, after Kunou finished conquering Hyrule of 
course.

	Unfortunately, now it seemed he might not live to see that 
day.  He had decided to visit the princess after hearing rumors that 
one of the guards was leering at her.  He was not going to put up 
with that sort of nonsense if he had anything to say about it.  And 
when he discovered what had happened, he was duty bound to 
report the escape to his master, even if it meant his death.  

	
*	*	*	


	"SHE WHAT!?!?!?"

	Gosunkugi instantly retreated from Kunou's fearsome 
presence while Sasuke stood his ground and tried his best not to soil
himself as he repeated.  "T....The guard that was supposed to watch 
over the princess has been m....murdered and the p....princess is 
n....nowhere to be found.

	Kunou's eyes glowed red as his scream of pure rage echoed
throughout his castle.  Then he grabbed Sasuke by the skin of his 
chest and whispered four words that chilled Sasuke's very essence.

	"FIND HER OR DIE."

	"Y...Y....Y...Yes, m....master!"  Sasuke whimpered as 
Kunou tossed him towards the door, his head cracking hard against
the frame as the sound slammed behind him from the force of 
Kunou's throw.

	"Stupidity, thy name is Sasuke!"  Kunou muttered to himself
as he tried to sit up.  He grimaced as he felt his ribs shift painfully 
and he reluctantly lay back down, seething over his inability to 
function as a man should. 

	"Curse this weak pathetic body!  In my day, a man could 
walk away from a fall ten time more steep than I one I suffered!"  
Kunou growled and tried to calm down.  "No....It is a weak man who
blames his tools.  Once this body heals and Hyrule is conquered, I will
reclaim what is rightfully mine....

	Kunou looked up at the ceiling and allowed himself a small 
smile.  In a small sense, he was elated that the princess had managed 
to escape from her prison.  It would make his conquest of her all the 
more satisfying....  

	"Though she is little, she is fierce...."

	Kunou's smile vanished as he grimaced.  "Perhaps I made 
an error by not administering the love potion to the princess right 
away.  While she is fierce, she is also troublesome, moreso than I 
had originally thought....  

	Then again, Akane Tendo had been skillful enough to avoid 
capture in the first place and unlike the delicate Ranko, she was a true 
warrior, one he could both admire and mold into his own image.

	"Of course!"  Kunou suddenly exclaimed as he sat up again, 
ignoring the pain.   "It is the very essence of love whose 
unpredictable emotions leads the will to desperate undertakings!  
Ranko must have been desperate to escape and find Akane Tendo 
because she loves her.  Then once I administer the love potion on both
of them, they will also love me and together....together...."
	
	Strengthened by the twisted logic of a madman, Kunou 
burst into fits of maniacal laughter as he continued to fantasize 
about his future wives....


*	*	*


	After a long period of time, everyone had finally settled 
down and were finally starting to catch up on old times.  They were
all sitting around the house, each one taking turns telling old stories 
of their past adventures.

	"And remember the time we were trapped in that room with 
no doors and we were fresh out of bombs?  We had just about given 
up hope...."  Ranma was in the process of telling one of these stories
now while his comrades listened and laughed.

	"....Then good old Ryouga smashes through one of the walls 
while lost and ends up saving us all!"  Mousse finished with a laugh.

	"Yeah, that was shortly after I found the power bracelet and
became strong enough to move rocks.  I rushed off to find you guys,
smashing through every wall in my path until I found you."  Ryouga
fondly recalled as Shampoo brought him a full mug of sake.  Ryouga 
thanked her while Ranma smirked at the fact that Ryouga was finally 
starting to warm up to Shampoo, dispite his vow that he would never 
love again after Akari.
 
	"So what have you been doing for the past month, Ukyou?"
Ryouga asked as he took a sip of the sake.  "When did you and 
Mousse get hitched?"

	Ukyou had trouble looking into Ranma's eyes as she 
replied.  "We just realized one day how much we cared for each other.  
The wedding was small and brief.  We wanted it that way."

	"Well, actually I wanted to tell Ranma...."  Mousse began.

	"But we didn't want to bother you when we heard about the
crisis with Kunou!"  Ukyou finished for him a little too quickly.  
"Anyway, it's nice to see you again, Ryouga....Ranchan...."  Ukyou 
glared at Shampoo for a moment.  "Shampoo...."

	Ranma noticed this and shifted uncomfortably in his seat.  
"Um....I can explain...."

	Shampoo beat him to it.  "Shampoo marry Ryouga!"  was 
her explanation.

	"Ryouga?  But I thought you and Ak...."  She stopped when
she caught the look in Ryouga's eyes.  "Oh.  I'm sorry Ryouga.

	"What spatula-girl talking about?  Who Akari?"
   	
	Everyone looked uncomfortable for a moment before Ryouga
spoke up.  "She was someone....I thought she loved me but she 
didn't.  I was stupid not to notice the way she looked at other 
men...."

	"She didn't deserve someone as loyal as you."  Ukyou 
assured the crestfallen Ryouga. 

	"Thanks."  Ryouga gave her a small smile which she 
returned.  Meanwhile, Shampoo continued to stare at Mousse for 
some reason.  Ranma noticed this and inquired about it.

	"Shampoo just wonder when silly Mousse take off 
blindfold?"

	There was another stunned silence, this time followed by
laughter.  Everyone broke up while Shampoo sat there confused.

	Finally Mousse stopped laughing long enough to answer
her question.  "You mean you didn't know?  I'm blind, Shampoo!"

	Shampoo blinked.  "Mousse use blindfold for more than 
magic act?"

	"I've been blind since I was born Shampoo.  I rely on my 
other senses, sound, touch, smell, taste and my instincts to get 
around.  When I had those arrows shot at me, I caught them by 
hearing the sound of the arrows when they were released, thus 
telling me where they were going to be.  Then I waited until I could
feel the air pressure of the arrow come close enough so I could 
intercept them safely.  Of course I hadn't planned on NINE 
arrows...."  Mousse sarcastically noted. 

	"Then....Mousse know no magic at all?"  Shampoo's voice
had more than a bit of contempt in it.

	Mousse smiled.  "I wouldn't go that far...."

	And with that Mousse raised his arms above his head and 
his face became a mask of concentration.  Soon a blue aura began to
form around him, brightening the interior of the house while everyone
else watched.  Then Mousse's entire body morphed into a ball of 
energy for a moment before reforming into a full sized duck.

	Ranma sighed.  He wished he could have warned Mousse
before he did that but it was too late now as Mousse once again 
morphed back into a human.  

	"How's that for magic?"  Mousse gloated until he sensed the 
presence of ki-energy coming from Shampoo.  "Shampoo?"

	While Mousse was unable to see what was happening, 
Shampoo was quickly morphing from a human into a fearsome 
cheetah.  In an instant, Ukyou had flown out of her chair and was 
now hiding behind Mousse, cowering with fear.

	"C....C....CAT!  IT'S A BIG CAT!!!!"  Ukyou screamed 
hysterically while cowering behind Mousse.  Ranma instantly got to
his feet.  "Okay Shampoo!  You've proved your point!  Now change 
back before Ucchan has a heart attack."

	The cheeta seemed to smile for a moment and then took 
another step towards Ukyou.

	"Shampoo...."  Ranma warned her.

	The cheetah halted her advance and then quickly changed
back into the beautiful form of Shampoo.  Ukyou immediately 
stopped trembling and looked confused.

	"W....What happened?"  Ukyou asked with a confused look 
on her face.

	"Shampoo changed into a cheetah and you went ballistic."

	"Oh no...."  Ukyou covered her face with her hands.  "I 
didn't....you know?"

	"No, I stopped it before it went too far."  Ranma answered
her.

	"Why spatula girl afraid of cats?"  Shampoo asked.

	"She was trained by her grandfather for a secret technique 
called the cat fist.  It makes her temporarily invincible but it also 
makes her deathly afraid of cats."

	"It's all Happosai's fault!  If he weren't already dead, I'd 
kill him!"  Ukyou spat as she resumed her seat.

	  "Anybody else here hungry?"  Ranma suddenly asked as his
growling stomach made him acutely aware that he hadn't eaten 
anything all day.

	"Well, as a matter of fact, some girl visited me today and 
gave me a white cake.  She said it was from you Mousse but you 
know I'm allergic to vanilla so she must have been mistaken.  
Anybody else want a slice?"

 	"I would!"  Ranma immediately chimed in.

	"I don't know.  This sounds suspicious."  Mousse frowned
as Ukyou went into the back to get the cake.  "Why would someone
send Ucchan a cake from me?"

	"Who cares?  I'm starving!"  Ranma's hunger overwhelming 
his common sense, as usual.

	"Here it is....Dig in!"  Ukyou announced as she placed the 
cake on the table.  Everyone started to reach for a piece when Mousse
raised his hands in a gesture of warning.  "Just a second!  There's 
something strange about all of this...."

	Ukyou handed Mousse a slice of cake and he smelled it.  
Then he carefully took a small bite and tasted for any traces of 
poison.  "Hmm...seems to be okay but...."

	That was enough for Ranma who quickly grabbed a piece
and shoved it into his mouth.  "Oh man, this is delicious!"  he 
exclaimed.  
	
	Ranma's enthusiasm was all everyone else needed as they
quickly joined in....
	

*	*	*


	Kodachi cackled with glee over her cauldron as she watched 
her cake being devoured by the would-be heroes.  The fun was about 
to begin....


*	*	*


	As Ranma finished his third piece of the cake, he found 
himself thinking about the sudden marriage of Mousse and Ukyou.  
He had been surprised to say the least when Mousse had told him.  
But now he found himself growing more resentful of the fact that 
neither of them had invited him to the wedding.  Besides that, Ranma 
felt a certain anger towards Mousse for being with Ukyou now.  Had 
Mousse always been interested in Ukyou even when she was engaged 
to him?  What if he hadn't left Ukyou?  Had Mousse been planning to 
take her away from him all along?  The thought of Ukyou and 
Mousse plotting behind his back caused Ranma to angrily shove some
more cake into his mouth....

	Ryouga grimaced slightly as he finished his piece of cake.  
He had never been that fond of vanilla.  He shook his head 
when Shampoo offered another slice to him.  He supposed that he 
should be happy that he had another chance to find a loving and 
supportive wife like Shampoo but he couldn't help feeling resentful 
at Ranma for forcing him into it.  Ranma had also him to get closer 
to Akari and that turned out to be a disaster.  Who did Ranma think 
he was to butt into his life....

	Mousse had only taken a few bites from his piece of cake, 
suspicious about where it came from.  Mousse still wished that he could
have invited Ranma to the wedding but Ukyou made it clear that having
Ranma there would be too painful for her and he had respected her 
wishes.  Out of the blue, Mousse felt a twinge of jealousy over his wife 
still being so emotionally attached to Ranma, but he quickly dismissed 
it as he knew deep down that Ukyou loved him and that's all that 
mattered.  

	Shampoo offered another piece of cake to her Ai Ren but he
declined so she decided to eat the piece herself.  It had a strange taste 
but it wasn't bad.  As she quickly consumed it, she noticed how 
downtrodden her husband-to-be looked.  Shampoo frowned.  Why did
Ranma and her grandmother arrange to marry someone like Ryouga.  
She still had feelings for Ranma, the man who had defeated her in 
combat for the first time.  Ryouga hadn't even fought with her yet.  
Memories flooded her mind, Ranma refusing to marry her because he
was engaged to Ukyou, Ranma running away from her in China and
causing her to return home in defeat....Shampoo nearly choked as she
shoveled cake into her mouth.   
	 	
	Ukyou poured herself a cup of sake as she watched her friends 
enjoy the cake meant for her.  She still felt some anger at Mousse for 
bringing Ranma here after all the pain she had gone through but she
also knew that Ranma was a friend and that he wouldn't have come
here unless it was important.

	Ukyou took a long sip from her cup and when she lowered 
it, she gasped in surprise as the combined battle auras of Shampoo, 
Ranma and Ryouga were flaring up.

	"Uh....guys?"  Ukyou prodded nervously.

	"So what ever happened to our old place by the mountains?"  
Ranma suddenly asked in a quiet voice.

	"Oh....I decided to move here after Mousse and I got married."  
Ukyou replied.  "It's a lot bigger and...."

	  "Why didn't Mousse move to your house?  You and I lived 
there happily when we were engaged and I know you love the 
mountains."  Ranma asked in a strange voice.

	Ukyou shifted uncomfortably.  "Well....I  just....I thought a 
change of location would...."

	"Why are you so concerned about where we live?"  Mousse 
asked, confusingly. 

	"Oh, I don't know...."  Ranma began in a hostile tone.  "Maybe
I just wanted to know why Ucchan would suddenly throw everything 
away she held dear and live with someone like YOU.

	"Ranchan!"  Ukyou was shocked.

	"Someone like me?"  Mousse repeated, anger in his tone.  
"And just what do you mean by that, Ranma?"

	"I mean it seems to me...."  Ranma's voice was growing 
louder.  "That you're not letting Ucchan live the way she wants to." 

	"Ranchan, I'm perfectly happy living with Mousse!  I still 
visit the mountains now and then, I just don't live there."  Ukyou 
replied, anger evident in her own voice now.  "Besides, we're not 
engaged anymore, so what do you care?"

	"Don't mind Ranma.  He can't handle his own love life so 
he has to butt into others."  Ryouga suddenly spoke up.

	Ranma whirled on him.  "What's that supposed to mean?!?"

	"You were the one that encouraged me to find a wife.  So 
when I did, she broke my heart!  Then I get drunk and next thing I 
know, you've engaged me to someone else!"  Ryouga coldly replied.

	"If Ryouga no want Shampoo, Shampoo fine with that!"  
Shampoo screeched as she rose to her feet, her battle aura growing 
brighter.  
	
	"Hey, It's not my fault you picked the loosest woman in 
Hyrule for your wife!"  Ranma retorted.  "Or the fact that you're too
stupid to see the truth when it's right in front of you.
	
	Ryouga's eyes blazed with fury as he stood up.  "Would you
care to repeat that, Ranma?"

	"Come on guys, cut it out!"  Ukyou held up her hands in a 
gesture of peace.  "We're all tired and...."	

	"Shut up, Ucchan!  This doesn't concern you!"  Ranma 
snapped.

	"Don't tell my wife to shut up!  You're the one making an 
ass out of yourself!"  Mousse shouted as he stood.

	"Geez, Mousse, You're just as stupid as Ryouga!  Ucchan's
just using you because she needs a man!  You're nothing but a 
replacement for me and THAT'S why she married you!"

	Ukyou's brandished her spatula and struck Ranma hard over 
the head with it.   "How DARE you say something like that!"  she 
screamed, tears running down her face.

	"How dare you make my wife cry!"  a metal claw emerged 
from Mousse's sleeve.  "Apologize or I'll make you sorry!"

	"Try it, duck boy."  Ranma replied coldly, assuming a 
fighting stance.

	"If you're fighting Mousse, then you're fighting me too!"
Ryouga roared as he matched Ranma's stance only to be thrown 
forward as Shampoo smashed a mace against the back of his head.
	
	"Ranma want Shampoo to marry Ryouga?  Ryouga beat 
Shampoo in combat first!"  Shampoo raised her mace to strike him 
again only to have the top of it sliced off by one of Ryouga's 
bandannas.  The mace fell on Shampoo's head, sending her crashing 
to the floor, unconscious. 
	  
	"That'll teach ya...."  Ryouga proclaimed, even as a small 
part of him felt regret for what he had just done.  But soon anger 
took control of his emotions again and he found himself launching 
himself at Ranma and Mousse, his mind filled with hate and blind 
fury.  

	"Stop!  Please stop!"  Ukyou cried out as Ranma fought both 
Ryouga and Mousse, wrecking much of the house in the process until 
they were outside.  Ukyou was about to follow them when she looked 
down at the remains of the white cake and a revelation hit her like a 
ton of bricks.

	"Wait a minute....this all started after...."

	Ukyou ran to her room and opened a wooden chest where she 
kept her things.  She quickly rummaged through it until she found a 
small vial filled with a clear liquid.  She ran back out to where the 
cake was and, after opening the vial, gently sprinkled a few drops 
onto one of the pieces.

	There was an immediate effect.  The piece of cake turned as 
black as charcoal and a horrible stench emerged from it.  Ukyou 
quickly backed away, trying to keep from gagging and quickly ran out
of the house.

	"It WAS the cake!  Mousse was right to be suspicious!"  
Ukyou realized as she raced to find her friends.  The vial had 
contained a special potion that triggered magical spells.  They 
should have realized that the cake was a trap from the beginning.  
She knew Mousse had only taken a few bites of the cake and was 
primarily mad because of Ranma's insult towards her.  If she could 
reason with him before things got too out of hand, he might be able 
to find an antidote.  If she didn't find them in time....

	Ukyou refused to finish that thought as she continued to 
search for her friends, soon disappearing into the woods....   	


*	*	*
	

	It was nearly pitch black now as Princess Ranko made her 
way through the forest, trying not to make too much noise and give
herself away.  She wished she could have taken the time to gather 
more supplies but she couldn't risk being caught again.  She had to 
get as far away from Kunou's castle as possible before they discovered 
the dead guard and went to search for her.

	Now, as the lack of suitable light made it nearly impossible to
navigate, she knew she should make camp.  But she had to be careful 
that no one else would see the flames and discover her hiding place....   

	She plunged on ahead for a long time, looking for a suitable 
spot, when she ran face first into a thick hedge.  Unwilling to attempt
to backtrack since she couldn't see anything anyway,  she pushed 
herself through it and on the other side, much to her surprise, was a 
quaint little house, completely hidden by the hedge surrounding it.  
Candlelight shone through the windows of the house, indicating 
someone was home.  She decided to find out if anyone was home 
and quietly knocked on the door. 

	"Hello?  Is anyone there?"  Ranko gently called out.

	There was a long pause and Ranko was about to knock again
when the door opened to reveal a girl with short brown hair and 
tattered robes.  She looked to be close to Ranko's age.  

	"Yes?"

	"Um....My name is Ra....Ran, and I'm looking for a place
to spend the night.  I was wondering if...."

	The girl looked at Ranko with pity, as if she had just 
volunteered to place her head in a mouth of a lion.  "You couldn't 
have come to a worse place for that if you'd tried.  Trust me, you'd
be better off camping in the woods...."

	The girl started to close the door when Ranko pleaded.  
"Please!  I'm in danger!  I know it's a lot to ask but if Kunou's men 
find me...."

	"K....Kunou?"  The girl repeated, her eyes wide with shock.

	"Yes, he's trying to force me to marry him and...."

	"Wait a minute!  You're the princess, Ranko, aren't you?"  
the girl proclaimed.

	Ranko hesitated.  "Y...yes.  I'm sorry I lied to you but I 
didn't think you would believe...."    

	"I heard rumors that you were kidnapped from Hyrule 
castle and brought here but I never thought I would actually meet
you in person."  the girl exclaimed with awe.

	"Yes, I managed to escape and I've been running through the
woods since early afternoon."  Ranko replied.

	"How did you ever get past the guards?"  the girl asked, 
clearly impressed."

	"I....uh....outsmarted them."  Ranko fumbled.  "Anyway, can
I please stay here until morning?"

	The girl hesitated.  "I don't know....My master is out stealing 
at the moment but he'll return eventually and if he sees you here...."

	"Your master doesn't like houseguests?"  Ranko guessed. 

	"No, just the opposite.  He's a lech who will certainly 
try to take advantage of you.  He's old but very skilled."

	Ranko snorted.  "Heh, let him try.  I may not be a warrior 
like Akane but I can hold my own."

	Suddenly the girl's eyes went cold.  "I have never heard 
of that name nor care to ever hear it again."  She said in a flat 
monotone.

	"Huh?"  Ranko stared at the girl.  "What did you say?"

	The girl gave her a curious look.  "Say what?"

	"You just said...."  Ranko shook her head, thinking she 
was just tired.  "Never mind.  Can I stay here then?"   
 
	The girl smiled.  "Okay, but if the master comes home, 
you're on your own."  She stepped back to allow Ranko to enter the
house and closed the door behind her.

	Ranko smiled back.  "Thank you.  I didn't catch your name."  

	The girl looked down at the floor.  "I....I don't have one.  My 
master found me in the woods with amnesia about six months ago.  
I have no idea of who I am or where I came from.  My master just calls
me things like *m'dear*, *baby* or *cutey honey* to name a few."    

	Ranko frowned.  "Your master sounds like a real jerk if you 
don't mind me saying so."	

	The girl smiled faintly.  "You have no idea.  But he takes care 
of me....as long as I take care of him.  I cook for him, clean for him and
I....I...."  The girl faltered as she shuddered inwardly.

	Ranko looked horrified.  "You....you don't mean...."

	The girl slowly nodded.  "I give him....sponge baths."

	Ranko facefaulted.  She quickly recovered though.  "He 
sounds more like a dirty old man than a real pervert." 

	"Oh, he's both.  He fondles me once in a while and steals my 
undergarments before I had a chance to wash them but other than that, 
he usually goes out every night and leaves me alone.  It's better than
being under the *protection* of a pimp.  

	Ranko grimaced.  "Your master sounds a lot like my fiancee's
old mentor.  He was a lecher and a thief too.  But he's been dead for 
a long time.  Maybe your master is his half-brother or something."

	"Wouldn't surprise me."  The girl smiled.  Anyway, the spare 
bedroom is down the hall and to the right.  If you want to freshen up 
later, there's a stream out back with fresh water. 

	"Thanks again.  I really appreciate this."  Ranko said as she
bowed.

	"It's no trouble at all.  I'm honored the princess of Hyrule is
staying here, your highness."  The girl bowed to Ranko deeply in 
respect.

	Ranko winced a bit.  "Please, just call me Ranko.  I hate being
called your highness.  It makes me feel like a pompous fool like 
Kunou."  

	The girl laughed.  "Alright, Ranko it is then!"

	Ranko smiled again as she her gaze wandered the interior of 
the house before falling upon a sword hanging on the wall nearby.  
"Is that yours?"  Ranko asked as she pointed towards it.   

	"Oh that?  No, that sword was here when the master first won 
this house from the Gambling King.  You can take it if you want, I 
never was much for swordfighting and the master uses marital arts to 
defend himself with so I don't think he'll care."

	"I'll promise to pay you back it's full worth when I'm finished 
with it."  Ranko promised as she took it down from the wall and pulled
it free of it's protective sheath.  She gave a few practice stabs and 
swings, testing it's weight and balance.  The blade was dull from it's 
lack of use but that could be easily fixed.  All in all, it would serve her 
needs.  

 	"Thank you once again."  Ranko bowed as she gently tied the 
belt of the sheath around her waist and positioned the sword on her 
right side.  Ranko felt a little better knowing she could now defend 
herself much better than she had unarmed, thanks to all her sword 
training....

	Ranko smiled as happy memories of her training sessions  
with Akane flooded her mind.  At first, Ranko had been more 
interested in spending some time alone with Akane, which the 
training exercises gave her an excuse to do but after Akane assured
her that sword-training would make her stronger and less  
dependent on personal guards, Ranko had trained hard for months 
to learn everything she could.  While Akane could still whip her in 
a real swordfight, she was now skilled enough to defend herself than 
she only took personal guards when absolutely necessary.  

	Of course, not all of their time was spend practicing 
swordplay.  Ranko's smiled deepened as she recalled a very 
intense and passionate night after Ranko had finally held her 
own against Akane's blade for the first time and they decided to 
celebrate.  She and Akane had made love in that stable on more 
than one occasion, both of them expressing their love for each other 
through pleasure and understanding, growing closer as both lovers 
and friends...."
	
	But that brought back painful memories of her last night 
with Akane before Sasuke had kidnapped her.  She had felt so 
helpless without her sword and was denied her chance to finally test 
out her skills and help Akane out.  But she had failed....	

	"Ranko?"

	Ranko looked up, her train of thought interrupted.  "I'm 
sorry!  I was just thinking...."  Ranko tried to apologize.

	"That's okay.  I do that a lot too."  The girl stretched out and
yawned.  "I think I'll go to bed now.  See you in the morning."  The 
girl waved as she retired to her room.  Ranko took a seat nearby the 
window, opened it and stared up at the evening sky, her thoughts 
filled with concern for the one she cared for most.

	"Akane....I hope you're okay.  I hope you're not blaming 
yourself for what happened to me.  I hope to be back with you again 
soon...."  Ranko paused for a moment and then a tear gently fell 
down her cheek as she whispered into the air....

	"Wherever you are, Akane....I love you."

	Ranko sat there a few moments longer before closing the 
window again and gently blowing the candles out.  


(Fade to Black)


TO BE CONTINUED.....


And so ends another chapter in this saga.  When I first started writing
this, I had no idea it would grow to be as popular as it is.  (I still 
receive at least one e-mail a week, inquiring about when the next 
part is coming out) and I wanted to make sure I did a descent job on 
this part before releasing it.

As I finished this part, I realized the relationship between Akane and 
Ranko is much stronger than the relationship between Ranko and 
Ranma.  Since most people who send me feedback like this pairing, I
may leave Ranko and Ranma's relationship a little vague.  Again, I 
might not, I'll have to see what happens.  

I hope you enjoyed this part.  C&C and feedback, as always, is 
welcome and I'll try to get Part 7 of this out faster than I did Part 6.  :)    

Sincerely,

Megane 6.7


Next Part: Happosai lives!