******

	Akane walked down the stairs as Ryoga passed by below her. Akane moved
towards the patio and towards the kitchen as Ryoga realized that he had
passed the Stairs for the third time. He turned, and walked towards the
staircase yet again as Akane came into view behind him, going into the
kitchen.

	Finally reaching the stairs, he leapt upwards and looked around, sounds
came from the room besides him. 
	"No, I really would not like to stay here Nabiki. It's just not safe."
	"What? You are staying with some of the best martial artists in the
world and it's not safe?" 
	"One of whom is a self proclaimed pervert remember?" Ryoga listened to
the voice as he nodded his head in agreement.
	"Too late, you already agreed and _I_ have the conversation on tape."
	"Ouch. OK then, when can I move in?" Ryoga's eyes widened as he
considered the implications of these actions. 'Guo living under the same
roof as Akane? Would he hurt her more? Would he turn into another
Ranma?' he thought as the conversation continued behind him.
	"Today if you like. You stay in the Dojo unless you want to sleep with
Ranma."
	"I'll take the Dojo. I don't want Ryoga or. . ."
	"Don't want me what" came the voice from the doorway. "Huh. Here I
thought you were a nice guy defeating Ranma and all but then I find you
hurting Akane." he said as he pulled out his combat umbrella.
	"Huh?" Guo mouthed blinking rapidly in confusion.
	"Ryoga, fight outside unless you want to owe me for my room." Nabiki
said as she pulled open the window. 
	Looking at the stupefied Guo, Ryoga smiled, picked him up, and threw
him out the window. Looking out the window, Guo sailed through the air
somersaulting to land feet first. . in the pond. Ryoga landed on the
grass in front of the house, and looked forwards. Suddenly, he froze and
gaped in surprise at the clothes floating in the pond. By the side of
the pond, a creature crawled out. Slightly smaller than a dog, a rich
red color marked it's fur. However, that was not what caused Ryouga to
gape. It was the deep black aura that red creature generated as it made
it's way out of the pond. Behind Ryoura, Shou and Genma stared in
amazement at the intensity of the energy emanating from the silent form. 
	"Genma, I think It's best if we were to play our game somewhere else."
	"Um, hm." The panda nodded as the two Masters practiced the Souatome
school of anything goes martial arts secret technique. Disappearing from
the battlefield. 
	From upstairs, Nabiki looked on in Amazement at the raccoon like
creature. 'A red panda?'

	A ball of KI energy formed in front of the creature. Intensely black to
the point that it absorbed all light it touched. Hastily, Ryoga leapt
backwards, putting as much distance between the creature and him as he
possibly could. All rational thought fleeing from his mind in terror.
Suddenly, the energy dissipated revealing the creature smirking, cold
knowledge in its eyes. 
	"I wish not to kill, but do not do that again." came a voice in their
minds. The creature stretched, making some cracking sounds as the spine
loosened and then bunched up in a ball. Suddenly, his ki flared into a
globe of blackness, obscuring sight as the water in the water heated and
fled. The black globe popped out of existence, leaving behind an
unconscious, naked human behind.
	"Oh, hi Ryoga. We haven't seen . . ." Akane said as she saw the naked
person on the grass. "I don't want to know" She said as she walked past
the startled Ryoga. She made her way up the stairs, her face a hot shade
of red. 

****************************************
(I die a fierily death, as your voice rips me asunder. )
(Tell me it's not true, that you have not found another.)

	"Woah! Did you.." the words died on The imp's lips as she saw the grim
expression on his face. 
	"I'll get to it later." He said, not taking his attention from the
computer before him. 
	"But, but.. *sigh* "  she went as she turned her attention back to the
screen before her. "I just had to become a familiar to a computer nerd."
	Behind her, the Demon only smirked as a screen was summoned forth
besides him and watched the last 10 minutes on the screen. His brow
furrowed in concentration as he felt all he could about the change.
Suddenly his expression cleared. Understanding lit his eyes as he
contemplated the person before him. 
 	"Psionic nature. That's what the cold water does, it frees a dormant
personality. The spell warped his powers, so a persona was formed to act
in the place of his rational mind. I guess he needs that until he learns
to control his powers." He smirked as he returned his attention to the
screen before him. 'MUDs are so interesting.' he thought as he defeated
a mage two levels higher than him.

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

(Ukyou's Okinomiyaki.)
	"Compleano falice, Sen Reh Quai Leh, Happy birthday!" everyone shouted
as the guest of honor entered the room, escorted by none other than
Souatome Ranma. 
	"Did somebody call me?" called an old hentai master as he peeked into
the room. "Oh! Happy Birthday!" he shouted as he launched himself at
Christine.
	"Oh no you don't." Ranma shouted as he punted the master back out the
room. "At least leave her alone on her birthday you old fossil!" He
shouted as he ran out after him. 
	"Ranma." Christine called
	"What?" he said sticking his head back in the room.
	"Thanks for helping out."
	"Hey, no problem, that's what I'm here for isn't it?" he said as he
caught sight of Happosai coming back. "Hey you old fool! Leave her
alone!"
	"But I just want to give her a birthday Kiss," 
	"I said leave her alone you pervert!" Ranma called as he slid back
outside. 
	'That Ranma, what a character.' She thought as they brought out the
birthday cake.

(Italian, Chinese, English) 

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

(Tendo Dojo)
	It's a room we had seen earlier. It is a bedroom of sorts, lit by the
light of the evening sun. The light stretched its shadows across the
room, lighting the pale shadow where a crater had been only a couple of
hours before. The bed with a number of simple shirts and jeans scattered
over it. by the door, the wardrobe was open, revealing the school
uniforms and other clothes that decorated the interior. On the opposite
side of the room, a table stood before the single window. A person was
seated over it, filling an empty page with the actions of her life.

Dear diary, 
It's been a while since I've written about anything that's not money or
school related. Maybe it's because there's not that much else that I
could do with the finances being so tight. The good thing is, the
finances of this dojo are going to be secure for a while. I was worried
that we would never have a steady source of income when the last student
left so many years ago. Now, I don't need to do these things to keep the
roof over our heads. 
 	Guo entered our lives only one week ago and will soon contribute to
the Tendo accounts. Maybe I shouldn't make him pay that much to stay
here. Just maybe, I don't feel I should have to justify the things that
I have been doing these years to anyone. Especially since I have done
these things to put the food on the table and keep the roof over our
head. Today however, I'll justify it to you. After this, I'll hide you
and let no one have any proof that I have a conscience until I wish it
so. I have seen everyone as opportunities for money and will have to see
them as that until I need not earn anything for myself, or my family. 
	It's sad but even daddy has been living off me for the last couple of
years. He contributes somewhat with the interest in the bank, but that
is only a part of what we need every day. I only needed a little money
to improve the meals sis cooks for us every day. But the repair cost,
food costs and the hot water costs have increased when Ranma and his dad
came. Others see me as mercenary and manipulative since they came, and
only two people have stood by me.
	The threat of Kuno not buying pictures from me made me realize the
reliance that I have developed in that aspect of our lives. However, Guo
moving in here with us will more than make up for any loss in that
aspect, even though he created that threat himself.
	The good thing about Guo is, he is willing to do the repairs on the
house for us. With his job, he'll be busy for the rest of this month and
when school starts, he'll be busy on the weekends and part of the
weekday. When he has the time, he agreed to fix any damages to the dojo
and house, so long as we pay for the materials and his schooling. Heh.
With his job, he'll be able to pay for the bond by the end of the month.
. . He should know that shouldn't he?

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

(Kuno manor.) 
	It is a dim and cavernous room. A room that is familiar to us with the
wooden practice targets and rack of wooden swords. In a single corner
sits a person sorting through his few possessions before packing them
into a single bag. He stands and puts a straw bed back into the closet
before going to a low table and penning something in the long sweeping
strokes of Calligraphy. 

Dear Kuno Tatawaki, 
	I tried to talk to you but you were out when I returned. I was going to
talk to you about this. I have found a job and lodging outside the
manor. It was at Nabiki's suggestion that I stay in their Dojo like a
student of the arts. She agreed to provide me with food and lodging in
exchange for some concessions on my part. The first is that I gain a job
with a tour agency as a translator/bus driver. Mainly, it's to help
their tour guides when they have English or Chinese guests. 
	I thank you for your hospitality in putting me up in your place for the
week but I must spread my wings and fly for my own. I have no
inheritance in this world, but such trivial knowledge does me no good if
I do not make my life my own. I thank thee for the help you have given
me these days and I will see you when school starts. Maybe then I shall
have something of note to tell you then.

Ps. Treat Sasuki better will you? A leader can only stand if his
followers are behind him, while A structure will fall if the supports
are not taken care of properly.  

	Jai nei. Guo. 


**
	With that written, he leaves the room, the drying paper secured by the
inkstone. Making his way silently down the hall, he pauses. A delightful
smell assailing his senses, that of roasted almonds and light, golden
dough. A hint of honey and a touch of egg, tossed in to create a
confection worthy of any table. 
	'Almond cookies?' He thought as he made his way to the room. At the
outside of the door, he paused, a little bit of wariness on his mind.
'Could this be one of Sasuki's confections or someone else's?' he
thought as he knocked on the door. 
	"Come in!" came the reply from the opposite side. Opening the door, I
looked in and saw a young girl sitting at a table. Her long hair tied to
the side in a ponytail, her pink dress adorned with but a single white
apron. Her lips are adorned with a deep red gloss while blue eyeliner
accented the shape of her eyes. A little flour smudged her cheek as she
looked up, her intelligent eyes narrowed in annoyance. "Who are you, and
why are you here?" she demanded in her dulcet voice. 

	'She seems suspicious of my nature but the smell of those cookies made
my mouth water. If only for a taste of the confection am I drawn into
this kitchen. Come, stride forth and let the words entice the mind.' "I
am but a stranger drawn by the delightful smell of almonds, honey and
flour. I have come here with a simple quest of perhaps. . sampling a
corner of your recipe. Perhaps learning myself how to make such a lovely
confection."
	Her eyes widened in surprise as her cheeks turned the color of a light
rose. "I thank you for your compliments. The confection that I am
creating will be ready in but, a little while." She said as she turned
away, shy and demure. I took a deep breath, filling my lungs with the
sweet smell of the confection. 
	"No more than three minutes will pass before it should be taken from
the oven." I said as I noted the lightest tinge of moist dough in the
fragrance of the room. A surprised look came over her face before she
moved to the table in a graceful gait. She looked over a book that lay
open on the table for a second before she looked back up. 
"My recipe says it should be taken out in eight. To let the almonds turn
dark brown and make it more fragrant." 
	"Almonds should be left only lightly golden to retain more of the
flavor while the honey you put into the recipe will darken the dough
earlier than the almonds."
	"I see. . I did not realize this. Someone either than the person whom I
intended had. . purloined the cookies that I have made before. I have
not had the chance to sample the ware as I had left to let them cool.
Might you not sample them with me when they are done?"
	"I would be honored to my dear. Shall we stand guard to prevent the
purloining of the pastries together?" 
	"We shall." She said with a titter. "Let me go forth to my toilet if
you would take them out as you see fit." 
	"I will and I shall stand guard until you return madam." I said as I
bowed deeply. The smell of the cookies drew my mind aflame with desire.
God, did I want a taste!

(later)
	"I do so enjoy this encounter with you."
	"Likewise madam." I replied as I dipped the warm cookie into the milk,
taking care that I did not let it absorb too much and crumble before I
took it out. "I did not inquire before but, what is your name My dear?"
I said as I took out the cookie and broke the soft half onto my tongue.
*Mmm* 
	"Oh! I did not mean to be rude. I am sometimes called the black rose."
She said as I froze stiff. The honey and almond taste forgotten on my
tongue.
	"Oorf. _You_ are Kodatchi?" I asked around the cookie. 
	"Why yes, That is my name." She said demurely, her hands on her lap as
she looked at the heart shaped cookie in her hand.
	My mind was in turmoil. Kuno had said that most of the cooking was done
by her and warned me that some of her food was poisoned or drugged. I
had already eaten one cookie so now what? Better stick with the program
first. "Oh. I was lost in the taste of your confection for a moment
there. I am called Guo Guang Ming in the language of my birth." I said
as I savored the remnants of the taste. 'It's really a very tasty
cookie.' I thought to myself. 'Not too sweet yet with the full and deep
flavor of the almond.'
	"How did you get this recipe?" I asked, interrupting her as she said
something about being pleased to meet me. "The delicate flavor of the
honey is sweet without overpowering you, while the cookie retains the
full, deep flavor of the Almond."
	She blinked for a second, a little lost before the question made it's
presence in her mind. "It is a recipe of my late mother's that I had
found a while back. It's called heavenly almond. Using water from
granite bowls gives the cookies a solid base. The honey is dissolved in
the water before adding the flour to give it a more even taste while a
touch of almond oil with the butter brings the flavor to the fullest. 
	'Granite bowls?' I thought. 'Where do people keep water in granite
bowls? Oh well not important.' I thought as I searched within myself.
'No poison has been found, so it's safe?' I thought as I sighed in
enjoyment. *Mmmm* "I would say that I have not enjoyed a cookie this
much for a long time."
	"Would you like some more of these over here? I could easily make more
of them later."
	"I would enjoy it very much." I said bowing my head to her. "But I fear
that I must be leaving soon for I am expected somewhere else by dinner." 
	"Ah.. I will not stop you then, I but ask that you come back tomorrow
for I shall have a batch ready for you to. . purloin." She said smiling
at me.  
	"Then I shall be the thief and steal this star before I go." I said
picking up a star shaped cookie and drinking up the rest of my milk. "I
shall see you my dear, tomorrow at the same time?" I asked as she
demurely chuckled. I blinked, for that was not the reaction I expected.
I blinked some more when she reached forwards with her napkin and daubed
away the milk mustache I had on. 

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

(along a road.)
	I entered U-chan's a while later. Blinking as I sought to figure out
the events that had transpired. I met Kodatchi and the worst thing
happened. I was seduced by her cookies and I think she is going to come
after me as a side interest from Ranma. 'Maybe her reputation was
overstated.' I thought trying to reassure myself. 'Or maybe not.' I
thought as I remembered the sleeping Mousse. 'Oh well, I'll deal with it
tomorrow.' I took a deep breath and slowly let it out. 'Today I have a
moving in dinner at U-chan's with the Tendo's, and tonight, I move into
my new life there.'

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