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Chapter Five: You're in the Army Now
Shikotsutouya National Park, Hokkaido, 6:14 AM:
Dawn broke over the trees in the heart of the forest on the northern island of Japan. The forest had been there for many an age, had withstood the feudal ages, the wars and the strife that had engulfed Japan over the centuries. It had seen the rise and fall of many an emperor or shogun, and seen the joys and heights of the island nation of Nippon. It was a monument to the island country, a majestic land of wooded honor and dignity that was not only home to flora and fauna alike, but also to a part of the collective heart and psyche of the Japanese people themselves.
Within that area, a pair of ninjas meditated, reposed in thought, searching for the inner being that would bring them to peace. They sat, rock still, in complete harmony with the all and with nature, completely undisturbed by the sounds and stills of nature. The pair were in complete nirvana with the life-force of earth:
"This is *bo*-ring!"
"Shut up, Konatsu! And put away that Walkman, for crying out loud! You're supposed to be meditating, awaiting my sensei, the fearsome Shinobi of the Mist."
"Whine, whine, complain, moan," the male ninja muttered, pulling off his earphones and tossing them back into his knapsack along with the offending tape player. "Jeez, Natsumi. Your master is completely weird. I mean, why couldn't he--"
"She," Natsumi corrected.
"Okay, *she*--just say, 'Let's do breakfast in Sapporo?' Sitting in a forest at 6:15 in the morning is not my idea of fun."
"Need I remind you that the whole reason we're here *isn't* for fun? I thought you wanted to save Ranma!"
"Of course I do; he's my friend, and I'll do whatever it takes." The red ninja stared at his counterpart in purple. "I just would rather be other places right now. Back home in bed with my Uc-chan, for example. Why'd the hell'd we have to have to travel all this way out here? Isn't there other places you meet her?"
"Yes, but this was supposed to be the next meeting point." She huffed. "If we had more time, I would've attempted to try to arrange for a different meeting place. This isn't easy for any of us. We've all got two days to round up the troops. We've got it easier than most; Nabiki managed to get us here within hours."
"Well, you have a point about that," he admitted. "Our travel was a bit easier than most of the others."
"Yeah. Akane-chan and Mousse have to go to Ryugenzawa; from what she's told me, I don't envy them. Nor do I envy Ukyo and Shampoo--they have to go south to Hong Kong to get Shampoo's little friends, Ling-Ling and Lung-Lung. Personally , the ones who havee it the worst is Ku-chan and Ryoga--assuming they find them in two days due to Ryoga's directions, they have to deal with those basket-cases Azusa and Mikado. Even the Kunos are trying to get help. Everybody's doing all they can at the moment to get Ranma back for Akane. We have to do our part as well." She smiled, adding, "Besides, at least I'm not here alone."
He returned her smile, then reached into his knapsack and pulled out a pair of Suntory coffees. He offered one to a grateful Natsumi, then popped the top on his, took a sip, then sat it down on the ground. "That reminds me--why did we split into the teams that we did? I realize that me and Uc-chan work well together; so do Shampoo and Mousse, a few others as well. Why the odd splits?"
"Nabiki's idea. Since Akane put her in charge of the actual planning and tactics, I guess she figured that placing those who are best matched in *battle* wouldn't be as good in *diplomacy;* if you want my opinion, I think she's right. We're not here to fight anybody at the moment, we're here to recruit allies to our cause. That calls for a different type of partnering, one that can't be accomplished if oh, say, Shampoo and Mousse are fighting, or you and Ukyo are busy with your dark sneak love action, ne?"
Konatsu blushed at that. "I s'pose you're right."
Tendo Natsumi, ninja of the Ghost Wolf clan, looked at the ronin ninja that was her friend. "Look, Konatsu, there's another reason I brought you, as well. You can't be an independent ninja, anymore. The only reason you've not been placed under a sentence of renegade blood hunt is because none of us will let anyone at you--the fact that Ranma, Akane, and Ukyo took on your clan leaders and won proves that. But once you marry Ukyo, that changes eeverything. Not so much the blood hunt--we still protect our own, but the fact of you'll need a patron in order to continue your ninjitsu studies. Neither you nor I are totally at the shinobi level yet, and if you ever intend to do so, then I have to step in."
"I'm afraid I don't understand."
"Simple: in addition to requesting her assistance for this mission, I am also going to ask her to allow you to become a Ghost Wolf. You have what it takes, and I can't think of anybody better suited to be one of us."
Konatsu was stunned by this admission. "I-I...I don't know what to say, Natsumi. No, actually I do: domo arigato gozaimasu."
"Think nothing of it. Besides, if there's anybody you should thank for this, it should be Ryoga. He suggested it. And before you say it, you don't have to repay the debt. You're helping me to regain my future-brother-in-law. That's more than enough."
"I'd do it anyway--"
She cut him off. "Shhh. I think she's here."
Natsumi's curiosity was confirmed when the keening, mystic sounds of a Japanese shakuhachi--the bamboo flute--were lilting softly on the barely noticeable breeze. After a second or two, a mist began to seep in, slowwly enveloping the whole area. The chill of the mist began to sink into their bones, a test, a judgment of their worthiness. The low, somber notes of the instrument grew louder, closer, notifying them that the personification of the mist, the mistress who controlled the layers of this screen of water and cold that was somehow more was near arrival. The trees fell away, the grasses seemed to bow, and the forest fell silent in a hushed, deliberate respect for she who was the force of the Clan Ghost Wolf.
Then the music stopped, the flute having uttered its final note. The mist began to slowly dissolve away into the depths of the forest as if it had never been there. Yet the forest remained hushed, the collective inhabitants kneeling before one who had more along with the Tao of absolute truth than any that had before walked on these hallowed grounds. Konatsu and Natsumi looked up from their kneeling position, and their gazes fell upon the Shinobi of the Mist.
She stood there, flute in hand, framed by the sunbeams streaming in through the trees, absolutely the most breathtaking thing they'd ever gazed upon. The Shinobi was dressed head to toe in a silvery white ninja gi designed to match the mist she'd obviously conjured up--and how did she do that on a sunny morning? Her build was that of a ravishingly beautiful woman, as if you'd put the adult Minomiya Hinako into ninjawear. That's about where the similarities stopped. Hinako never wore sakura pink katanas strapped to her back in an X-pattern. The shinobi's gi also had slightly flared shoulders, and had a belt (with a couple pouches attached), gauntlets and shin guards in that same shade of delicate, fragile pink. Her hair was a midnight blue-black that absorbed the light into it, a follicle spray of a black hole. Her face was covered by a mask of white and all that could be seen were her eyes. That was the worst of all.
The eyes of the woman were a pair of black eyes, somehow deeper and darker than anything imaginable. They were mirrors of the soul, a pit so far that you regretted the view. They mirrored pain, hope, despair, joy, determination and honor, but most of all they exuded the presence of emotional emptiness. There was nothing there in those eyes at the moment but cold determination of an ice princess. To put it succinctly--there was a reason why this woman was the Shinobi of the Mist, the Master Shinobi of the Ghost Wolf Clan.
"Ohayo, Mist- sensei," Natsumi began, clearly awed by the spectacle of her master. "I am here earlier than our appointed time be--"
"I am aware of why you are here, Natsumi-san," the woman said. Her voice was musical, melodic, yet there was something about it that also spoke of it as being the echo of a shallow bay, the reflection of the inner being. "I know more than you care to know of your troubles. I simply wonder if you are prepared to face the task that you have set before you."
"I do not understand, sensei."
"These are the forces that have stripped us bare, who have brought us to this. These men who have spirited away your sister's iinazuke, are the very ones who have brought our fate to our door. I ask you--are you ready to become the hand that turns away the knife?"
"Yes, sensei. Justice must be served, for Ranma, and for ourselves. I go to rescue us from the fates of time, but also to save my sister's intended."
"Is that the only reason?" Mist looked at her pupil with an air of mild anticipation. Konatsu saw the woman arch her eyebrow, stare at the girl in purple and expecting an answer of a nature that Konatsu couldn't know. Minutes passed, without a word from Natsumi; however, she had begun to shiver, as if she was struggling to hold something back, to refuse to bring it out into the open. Konatsu looked at her face, and noticed that she was visibly straining to hide something that demanded for her to speak. Her eyes were wide and glassy, and beads of perspiration dotted her forehead.
After five minutes of Natsumi's silence, Mist turned to walk away. "I cannot help your cause. You will not admit your maxim, the truth in why you do this." She brought the flute to the fore, ready to begin the notes that were to signal her departure.
Natsumi spoke in a whisper. "I cannot...I can't admit--"
The shinobi brought the flute to her lips, hidden by the cloth of her mask.
Without warning, Konatsu moved in a blur of speed, intending to rip the flute out of her hands. While his move was faster than Natsumi could follow, it was by far slower than the master of the Ghost Wolves. Konatsu found himself inches away from the flute, and with a small knife at his throat.
"Very good, but not good enough. Still, you have potential. Are you the student that she has brought to me?"
"Hai." He brushed the knife aside. "Assuming you don't intend to kill me for failure. I assure you, I don't learn very well when I'm dead."
That response was met by a melodic chime of a laugh, although the words that popped into the ninja's mind were {Ask not for whom the bell tolls....} Natsumi, stunned by his move, was too surprised to even move. But it was an unneeded concern, the shinobi's eyes lit up, a partial signal that she had smiled. She then replied with honesty and sincerity. "Such wit and grace is not found in most ninjas. You must have been a student of either the Kimashago or Toronaga clans, am I not correct? Although," she corrected, "that speed strike is too subtle for either clan. Very unusual, but perhaps you're a former Higuchi or maybe even a Kunouichi?"
"Kunoichi, sensei. I was the lone male, brought up under their view. I left them for better values--for love and my manhood."
"A duo of noble causes, one that they will never seem to understand. They are mainly deceivers and concubine-bodyguards. You, however, have mastered nobility--a paradox that entitles you to be one of the Ghost Wolf clan. A clan that has been reduced in membership lately," she said,, a tinge of sadness in her voice, "but one that will flourish once we find young heroes such as you."
"Yes, but I'm afraid I don't understand what you say in regards to 'paradox' and 'reduced numbers'. Is this a test?"
"No test; your heart proves that you have the courage, and your skills prove you have the power. Natsumi will show you the ways until I can train you more." She placed her hand on the incredulous ninja in purple, "She is more than capable, even if she still hides the truth from herself, even as it shows itself on her sleeve...if she had any for her gi." Another surprise; from what Konatsu had seen earlier, he'd thought of his new master as The Ice Bitch. Now, seeing her make jokes, he realized that the depths of this woman were farther than he'd expected.
Natsumi, however, didn't catch the attempt at humor. "Gomen ne sai, sensei. I have failed."
"No you haven't, Natsumi-san. Part of your growth is admitting that you have a ways to go." She offered her hand, then lifted the girl to her feet gently. "You two will be called upon someday to be my lieutenants. It is imperative that you are without a doubt, the finest that you can be. But that will take time. I cannot do that if you are slaughtered by the forces of the Crystal Temple. Therefore, I will accompany you on your crusade."
"Thank you for your faith, sensei. More importantly, thank you for your assistance."
The trio stood silent in the forest for a few minutes, then Mist announced it was time for her to depart. "I have other items I must attend to ere I join you; fear not, though. I shall join you at your home when it is time." She placed her hand out. "Brother Kenzan, your Kunouichi amulet, please."
Willingly, Konatsu surrendered the clan symbol--a plain disc with a solitary stylized crane engraved on it--and placed it in her hand. There was a pale pink glow, as deliccate as the blossom of the cherry tree, and bit by bit, the heavy metal disc crushed itself, becoming smaller and smaller, collapsing in on itself. The display of power in itself was impressive, but one fact made it all the more so: *the hand that held the amulet never closed or even so much as twitched.* It lay palm up, flat and steady as the disc on its surface shrank from its original four inches in diameter, becoming a pellet of metal the size of a pachinko ball. The shinobi master then returned the metal object to Konatsu. "This is the breaking. Clan Kunouichi no longer holds sway over you...not that they apparently did, to begin with."
While the two ninjas stared in childlike wonder, the Shinobi reached into one of her belt pouches and pulled out a new emblem for him to wear. It was a silver wolf's head, inlaid with fine crystals. "This is the amulet of the Ghost Wolf clan, Konatsu-san. Use it for the betterment of mankind. Natsumi will tutor you in clan doctrine and other basics until we meet again."
"Hai, sensei," both ninjas said in response.
For her reply, she placed the flute to her lips. She blew the keening notes once more, allowing for the mist to swallow her, and in a moment--much faster, this time--she was gone, as if she never had been there. Once gone, the forest returned to life, the sounds off nature beginning to stream in once more.
When the Shinobi of the Mist was gone, Natsumi gave Konatsu a hearty clap on the back. "Congratulations, Konatsu! You're one of us, now!"
"Thanks, Natsumi. This really means a lot to me." A ponderous look crossed his face. "I wonder how Uc-chan'll react to that--probably pleased. This brings our families one step closer, and that's good enough for me an' her." He bowed deeply to herr. "Natsumi, I know you told me to ignore it, but I owe you a debt of gratitude. If there's anyway I can make amends, my sword is yours."
She was about to tell him once again to forget it...until her stomach growled. "Tell ya what: you can make it up to me at breakfast. Then we can do some sightseeing, and catch the plane back home in time for dinner." He eagerly returned his friend's grin.
The two Ghost Wolves walked down the hiking trail, headed towards civilization, and the nearest available restaurant.
* * *
Ryugenzawa no mori, Honshu, 7:35 AM:
At the same time that Konatsu and Natsumi wandered in the woods south of Sapporo, another pair were doing the same in another forest several hundred miles to the south. This forest was a bit more lush and lively, and judging by the occasional gigantic animal that crossed the path of the two, ancient magic must have something to do with it. The breeze caused by a bird the size of a small aircraft doing a fly-by confirmed this in Mousse's mind.
Currently, he and Akane were walking through these lands in search of an old friend of her and Saotome's that she hadn't seen in a while. Akane was sure that he'd be more than happy to help in getting Ranma back, but that meant that they'd have to go get him since the guy lived deep in the heart of the forest and didn't have a phone; mail would take far too long. So she decided to go. Mousse, on the other hand, had not wanted to go--he wanted to go to Kowloon with Shampoo. But somehow, he'd taken off his glasses as the group wandered out the door, and hee wandered off with his true love. However, when he placed his glasses on, he'd found himself on a south-bound shinkansen bound for Kyoto, with Akane sitting in the seat across from him. She'd briefly told him about the events that she and Ranma had gone through in Ryugenzawa a year and a half past, and the friendship that the three had as a result.
Since he'd resigned himself to this, he'd talked very little to Akane. Not that he didn't find her pleasant or anything--she was quite attractive, actually--it was just that he wasn't really comfortable. He had a real problem with Saotome musclling in on his beloved Shampoo; thus, talking to Ranma's true fiancée, well, he didn't want to appear as he was playing the same game as Saotome was. Admittedly, this caused some problems; most of the people he knew here tended to think of him as distant (and truth be told, he did tend to be that way at times), but that's because the interpersonal relationships of the people around here were very complex--one minute you're a mortal enemy; the next, you're the best friend. To be honest, though, things were improving: he and Ryoga were getting along fairly well, and he did go on one date with Tendo Natsumi--surprisingly, Shampoo was happy about that. {I wonder why?} Even he and Ranma showed some signs of having common interests other than Shampoo; if it wasn't for the Chinese Amazon, he could probably call Saotome a friend.
Living here for two years had definitely had an impact on him more than the three years he spent at the circus doing his magic act--*no,* his martial arts skills *weren't* magic, but that didn't mean that he hadn't learned prestidigitation. In fact, his mmaster, Fu Shen Ling, had taught--
"Mousse, I want to thank you for joining me in going here. I know you wanted to go with Shampoo, but the fact that you came with me means a lot." Akane said, snapping the Chinese youth out of his waking dream. He looked at her, trying to hide the look of surprise that crossed his face. To his look, he continued. "So, have you ever come here before?"
He shook his head. "Sorry, Akane. Can't say I have. Closest I've ever been was when my circus stopped at Kobe, and that's a ways off from here." He smiled a bit. "Kinda nice here though. Maybe someday...."
"You know, you're real cute when you do that. I've heard Shampoo mention that, and I guess she was right."
"Mention what?" he gasped. {Shampoo...said...I...was...*cute!*} He swooned with a Zen-like rapture at Akane's words.
Akane *tsk*ed. "When you smile, silly! You don't do it that often, and it's a shame, too. You'd probably distance less people if you smiled more often." She yanked him down to ear level, then whispered conspiratorially (though unnecessarily), "I bet that if you did it more often, you'd gain Shampoo's heart in a flash."
"Really?" She nodded yes. "Truly?" Another nod. "Well, whaddya know...." he said, mind already in thought mode. "Thanks Akane!"
"It was nothing," Akane replied. Smiling inwardly, she added, {and whatever it takes to get Shampoo away from Ranma, I'll do. Besides, they make a much better couple than Ranma and Shampoo. More importantly, Shampoo puts a *real* damper on my love life. Besides, we've known Mousse for two years, now. *Somebody's* gotta get Mr. Stiff to loosen up....}
So, the pair walked among the main footpath, taking the route to the Ranger Station--the cabin where Shinnosuke and his grandfather lived. Theoretically this was the safest passageway, and the least likely too be littered with the giant animals that wandered throughout the area. Because it was the most popular footpath, and something humans used frequently, it should have a minimum of--
"Look out!" Akane shouted, but not in time. Mousse stepped on a patch of dirt that was differently colored than the rest of the ground. In response, the ground caved in, dropping him into a 1.5 meter hole, and released a shower of rocks to drop upon his head, one after the other, leaving a sizable amount of bruises.
--animal traps.
* * INTERMISSION * *
The storytelling momentarily stopped as the group died laughing on the spot.
Mousse, barely able to contain his laughter himself, added, "That hurt, too! Of course, it would've been nicer if you'd been there to comfort me, Shan Fu."
Shampoo replied, *"Me? I'd've* been picking 'em up and dropping on your head, myself!"
"At least I'm not the only one around here who has bad luck with falling objects," Tyler chortled.
Gil, meanwhile, had begun to write all this down on his notepad. {Falling rocks connected to four-foot deep pit, covered by grass. Hmmm...think I have an idea....}
Maria stopped them all. "Oh, this is great! Please continue, Ranko!" Libby, meanwhile, looked at Maria as if the woman had lost her marbles...more so than usual.
"Sure," the redhead complied. "Anyway, so...."
* * STORY * *
....after Mousse had been pulled out of the hole, brought back to consciousness, and dusted off, the pair continued the walk to the cabin. After a few minutes, they arrived at the familiar, old wooden shack.
The house hadn't changed since the last time she'd been there. It had the vague look of a Lincoln-style log cabin, a bit rustic for modern, bustling Japan, yet even more so the feel of a home that was truly in its element. The basics were still there: the logs on the side of the house, the weather-beaten tone of the wood, the robin that had built its nest atop the house. However, the house did look quite a bit cleaner than she last remembered; there were beautiful flowers of all sorts in the small garden adjacent to the house. There was also the aroma of ramen cooking, and Akane guessed that they'd arrived just in time for breakfast.
"Really nice place," Mousse commented, still practicing his smile. "Truth be told, it reminds me of my parents' farm back in China."
"I didn't know you were from a farm," she sighed. "See, Mousse--that's one of your problems. You tend to be too uptight. Now, if you could stand a little constructive criticism...."
"Yeah, sure," he replied, not really interested in hearing it.
"Mousse, whether you realize it or not, we're your friends. We've known you for nearly two years, but we don't know much about you. Talk to us; let us into your life. I realize that you prefer to be the 'I can stand alone' type, but everybody needs somebody--and I'm not just talking Shampoo."
Mousse said nothing, but had actually begun to listen to her. {Is that what they think of me? As a friend? I don't think I've ever done anything to warrant that moniker.} "I...I don't know what to say, Akane."
"Just accept our friendship for what it is, Mousse. The rest will come naturally." With that comment, they went up to the front door. "You'll like Shinnosuke and his grandfather. Nicest people you'll ever meet." With no further ado, she knocked.
There was a sound of somebody moving forward, then the door opened, and she peered into the eyes of an old flame. Or so it seemed to Mousse, from what he saw. The young man wore a simple pants and shirt and a purple yukata. His dusty-brown hair was held in place by a white bandanna, similar to what Ryoga wore. His warm, soft brown eyes locked onto Akane's own, as if searching for something from the past, an old love gone by, perhaps? Then the young man's face brightened, as if he suddenly remembered something. "Akane!" He bowed to the girl, deeply, respectively. "It is so good to see you, my old friend!" He turned his head and joyfully shouted into the house, "Hey everybody, we have company!"
{Everybody?} Akane thought. {Last I remember there was only the two. Has that changed? And how did he remember that, anyway?} Well, he did remember her; that was a good sign.
The young man invited his old friend in, then stopped short at Mousse. "Akane, who's he? Did you and Ranma call it quits?"
"No, we didn't; this is my friend, Mousse." She quickly introduced the pair, then continued. "About Ranma...that's why we're here." Her brown eyes began to cloud, and her face became downcast as well. "Shinnosuke, I need your help. Something's happened to Ranma, and I need help to save him."
"Okay, come in and we'll talk about it." the young man had a thoughtful look on his face again, then began once more. "Oh. Well, it's time for breakfast--I think. What time is it?"
"Morning," she monotoned, then looked at her watch. "8:02, to be exact."
"Oh, yeah--thanks." He quickly ushered them to spots at the table, where his grandfather already was.
"Well, as I live and breathe--little Akane! So nice to see you again, my girl!" he said, voice full of cheer. "And who is this clever young man?" She iintroduced Mousse to the old man, and the pair began idle chatter.
Akane noticed Shinnosuke getting up, headed for the kitchen. "Shinnosuke? Do you need help with breakfast?"
"Shin-boy and I haven't cooked at all since his fiancée moved in a nearly a year ago," the old man stated.
Akane clapped her hands in surprise, eyes brimming with happiness for her friend. "Iinazuke? Shinnosuke, that's great! I'm so happy for you! Why didn't you say something?"
"I did. I wrote you about it at the beginning of the year. I put it in a letter, then gave it to, um, what's your name again?" he faced the old man.
The old man threw one of his Megaton Punches at the youth, shouting, "Repeat after me: 'Grandfather'." The old man groaned, "What did I do to deserve this?" Akane giggled slightly, remembering the week she'd stayed here. "Obviously, you can tell that nothing's changed since she moved in," the old man said in an aside to Akane.
"Um, yeah. Anyway, I gave it to the old guy, then he mailed it."
"You didn't give me a letter, Shin-boy," Mr. Anonymous-in-his-own-home stated. "You usually write postcards."
"I know I wrote one! I remember because after I wrote it, and before I gave it to you, I put it in my...." At this time, he'd reached into his pants pocket, displaying what he did with the cards. "Oh."
"What?"
He pulled an envelope out of his pocket. "Um, I guess I didn't mail it. Well, here you go, Akane." He gave it to the intended reader, who placed it in her own pocket, smiling and thinking that he really hadn't changed a bit.
Akane continued. "So tell me about your girlfriend, Shinnosuke."
Shinnosuke was about to answer her, when he heard a footfall, and the sound of a kettle softly clinking on its handle. "Well, here she comes, now. Hello, love."
Shinnosuke's intended came in carrying the morning meal and a few bowls. She beamed at her family. "Ohayo, Shin-kun, Grandfather." She started with the guests. "Welcome to our ho--" The face at first registered shock, then that mask of surprise immediately changed to one of cold rage. "Well, well, welll. Tendo Akane. Or it's Saotome Akane now, if I heard right. Here to steal another fiancé of mine?"
The woman wasn't the only one shocked; Akane wasn't expecting this, either. "Oh, my.... Daikoku Kaori, what are you doing here?"
Breakfast was a hushed affair, with the girl in the red-and-blue gi staring at Akane, who was shocked to see the girl again. "I knew that my Shin-kun had a pen pal, but I had no idea that it was *you."*
"Kaori, knock it off," Akane replied. "That's over with as far as I'm concerned. Besides, I'd known Ranma for a few weeks and began to care for him when you and I fought over his engagement; you, on the other hand, knew him all of one day. In any event, it's pointless. I've got Ranma, and you have your man. Leave it at that, and let bygones be bygones."
"Never, Saotome. Never. You nearly destroyed my life that day--you and that redhead friend of yours."
"What's going on, Akane?" Mousse asked. "What did Ranma do this time?"
"It wasn't his fault, Mousse. Father Saotome did it to him. Haven't you ever wondered how he ended up with so many iinazuke?"
"No; that never occurred to me." {And I didn't think of how he felt about it, either. Maybe he *doesn't* want all those girls. Maybe he was serious that time he offered to help me win Shampoo's hand.} Mousse resolved that if Ranma was rescued, the two would have to have a serious chat on the subject.
"So, you two girls know--and apparently, hate--each other. What the story behind this is, I'd like to know," the grandfather mused, his low tones siignaling that one of them would have to tell the tale.
Akane sighed. This was going to be a lot harder than she expected, but she'd nearly lost Ranma twice before--nearly to this lunatic, and that incident involving the idiots at the AGMA Tea Ceremony fiasco. She'd be damned if whoever had him now made the third time a charm. "Well, you see, it started off...
...and then Kaori and her father drove off, and that was the end of that. Or so I thought," Akane said, ten minutes later. "Personally, I don't--and never have--hated her." Glancing at the girl who was visualizing daggers in her heart, she added, "And I don't have anyy idea why she hates me."
"No idea?" Kaori spluttered. "After we left your home, I couldn't take it anymore. I went on a training trip to improve myself so I could go back and claim my Ranma. I trained day and night, without end. I was determined to beat you--and the redhead or anyone else you could throw at me. So I left home, determined to make myself the best.
"Unfortunately, my father became so depressed by the combination of losing the heir to the Daikoku school and his only child going away, that he could no longer manage the business that well. He began to lose money, and by year's end, filed for bankruptcy. Two months after that, the famous Daikoku restaurant empire was just a memory.
"So I continued to wander, penniless and consumed with hatred and emptiness. Until the day I wandered into Ryugenzawa. Then I ran into him. He was so adorable in the way that he showed concern for my safety...he even took a blow for me, when a series of rocks fell from a tree after he fell into a surprise pit. I brought him back here to the cabin, then stayed a few days to ensure that he was okay. At first, I thought the blow had given him amnesia, until I found out differently; even so, I stayed on for a while longer to train with him and learn some skills with the bo staff. Eventually, we fell in love, and I moved here permanently with my new family. We're going to be married in the fall, when my father gets the opportunity to come down here.
"Despite my happiness, though, I wouldn't be in this predicament if it wasn't for you, Saotome Akane. Despite the fact that I love and will marry Shin-kun, I still despise you for taking Ranma away from me, and intend to take my revenge out on you and your little redheaded friend." The woman ended her diatribe, and the cabin became as quiet as a secluded glen in the forest.
After a few moments, Shinnosuke's grandfather spoke. "I can't say I condone your wanting revenge on Akane, Kaori, but we'll wait to see. Perhaps you'll learn that revenge is not the way to go, and that a true martial artist must temper one's skills with mercy."
At those words, Shinnosuke spoke up. "I recall that you said you needed my help, to help Ranma?"
Akane stammered. "I...I, um, I...."
"Excuse her, please--she's still a bit shaken up by it," Mousse answered. "A couple of days ago, Ranma was kidnapped by an organization of crimiinals. We don't know why. We're currently mounting a rescue effort, and Akane was hoping that she could count on your help. These people are extremely strong, which is why she's building an army. It'll take one to bring these people down."
Shinnosuke said, without hesitation, "You have it. Without Ranma's help, I'd be a dead man, and the Orochi would be running rampant throughout the forest, possibly all of Japan. We would only be happy to return the favor."
"We?" Akane asked.
"I'll be going as well," Kaori spoke up. "I'll go because my Shin-kun will be going, and he may need me. I'm not doing this for you, Saotome--"
"Tendo. Ranma and I aren't married yet."
"Whatever. Just get the message. He may be doing it for you, but not me."
"Thanks, anyway. Thank you, Shinnosuke." She bowed deeply, and her eyes began to water. "I don't know how to thank you enough."
"Ranma was willing to sacrifice his life to save you and me. I can do no less, Akane." He turned to his grandfather. "Um, er,"
"'Grandfather'," the old man reminded him for the umpteenth time today, and restraining himself from punching his only grandchild again.
"Yes. In any event, I have to leave the forest, and my responsibilities here."
"I can take care of the animals on my own. To see you go to the help of a friend is worth it." He smiled. "Perhaps you'll even learn to remember things."
"Okay then, it's settled. We'll finish um,--"
"Breakfast, dear," Kaori gently reminded him.
"--the meal thing, then pack and be ready to go. Our services are yours, Akane." He bowed formally to her. "I would be honorred to serve in your army."
* * *
Kyoto, 10:27 AM:
Tatewaki and Kodachi Kuno walked through the grounds of the Kaguro training compound. It was designed to be a copy of the Kuno manor, and in fact, the same blueprints, forests, and building materials had gone into the construction of this place. As the pair walked through the pathway, sakura petals littering the floor amidst their footfalls, Kodachi took the time to rebuke her brother. "Brother, dear, you are an absolute fool. Invoking the Kaguros into this little affair is highly circumspect, as well as unneeded.. Besides, as you well know, they have assigned one of their own to be our aide."
"My dear simplistic sister, you obviously do not have the ability to see the ultimate plan," he retorted. His yukata rustling in the slight breeze, he struck another one of his medieval postures, adding, "By utilizing a contingent of our Kaguro ninjas, we then have the extra force to deal with these ruffians who have taken Saotome and the pigtailed girl. Additionally, Sasuke is on sabbatical. And though a noble assistant he is, he is but a fool and an oaf. Do you really feel him capable of such fighting skills that we would require, if what the breathtakingly beautiful Tendo Akane says is true?"
"I suppose," she admitted. "Anyone who can surpass my superior training is a force to be truly reckoned with. I suppose that you are also correct in saying that it would be best to use our ninjas to save my beloved Ranma...as well as that redhead brat of yours." She thought for a second, then added, "Of course, you'll need the help to protect you from getting a sliver from that little stick you swing around."
Kuno was overcome with the desire to bop his sister on the head, but decided to hold back, though he wasn't sure why. He reasoned that it probably wasn't worth the effort. "You know, I truly detest having to travel with you. I wish Nabiki had paired me up with someone else--that viper Tendo Natsumi, that idiot Hibiki Ryoga, even that Chinese fellow."
"The feeling is mutual, brother dear." Each venomous word rolled off the tongue of the Black Rose. "But, as you know, we must keep the secret of the Kaguro clan within the confines of the family. I fail to see how you would accomplish that if, say, that chatterbox Tendo Kurumi came with you. Furthermore, I fail to see why you decided to spend your own funds to get us down here, instead of using those of Nabiki's!"
"Something tells me that she shall need hers at the moment more than I need mine." {Additionally, the Tendos have been far kinder to us than I had expected, and I, under the circumstances, shall assist them in whatever means that I can. I just hope Kodachi doesn't discover the few hundred thousand yen I gave Nabiki to aid in her search; she'll never let me hear the end of it. Then again, I hope she does; the shock value would be quite the amusement.} He debated telling her, then changed his mind, deciding that letting her find out would be half the fun. A voice at the back of his mind railed at the thought of giving Nabiki the equivalent of $3000 US Dollars, but he ignored it; something deep within told him that it would be somehow worth it later on.
The pair decided to walk the rest of the way in silence, their poisonous glares at each other saying all that needed to be said.
A few minutes later, they were seated in the guest parlor of the main house, talking to the person in charge for this particular request. Normally, they could've asked their uncle, but Master Shinobi Kaguro Ryunosuke was leading a mission somewhere else at the moment; this left his only son in charge. That son had recently come to visit from his collegiate studies abroad at Stanford University in America, and was only too glad to help.
"Really, Tatewaki, the use of our ninjas for a matter of saving your true love? Shouldn't you be doing this?" the young man said. He was about the same age as Kuno, about the same size and build, as well. Unlike Kuno, he wore a black military-style school uniform, which accentuated his black eyes and iron-gray hair. He wore a dark gray battle scarf around his shoulders, a fabric anaconda ready to strike should the need arise.
"Yujiiro," Kodachi replied, "my brother, under the circumstances, is correct. My beloved was captured as well trying to save brother dear's 'girl'." Her opinion of the person in question was made obvious by her words. "Since we Kunos rely upon the magnificence of our Kaguro brethren to assist us in our most noble quest."
"Ah, but dear Kodachi, you have been trained in the ways of Kaguro ninjitsu, have you not? Why, between your Kaguro stealth, and the might of the Kuno school of swordsmanship that your brother wields, and the skills of your noble assistant Sasuke, the three of you should lead a mighty war against your hated foe that would be a legend to rival even that of the Nanso Satomi Hakkenden."
"Still, Yuji," Kuno added, "joining us in our quest would only further enhance the light of your own glory."
At the sound of his despised childhood nickname, Kaguro bristled. However, Kuno's words of glory enhancement swayed him to their cause. "You could be correct about that, cousin. Let me see what I can do. What did you say the name of that group was?"
"I didn't. The only thing we know about them is they came in that black ship a few days ago."
Kaguro's eyes nearly popped out of their skull; in any event, they grew half again their original size. "That ship half the world's militaries are looking for? The one that America, England, the USSR, China, and France want to nuke? You must be joking!"
"Yuji, they destroyed the ancestral home, a place that had stood for centuries. More importantly, the name and honor of the Kunos is at stake. You, as a Kaguro, are honor-bound to defend it. As you are to give assistance to us in time of need."
"Okay, okay. Give me fifteen minutes to think about it, and compare notes with our intelligence staff." With that, he strolled out of the room, leaving the Kuno siblings to stare and wonder.
"Do you think we managed to convince him?" Kodachi asked her brother.
"I believe so. Honor is everything to we Kunos and Kaguros. He will join our crusade, never fear. His honor demands it."
"You are so clever, my dear brother," she said, actually meaning it for once. "Reminding him of his duty was a masterful stroke."
"Why thank you, sister mine," he replied. "When he comes back, he will simply ask us how many platoons we require."
Ten minutes later:
*"You're refusing our request?"* both Kunos said at once.
"I'm terribly sorry. I wish I could do more, but my hands are tied in this matter, you must understand. According to our intelligence sources, that ship belongs to an organization whose ninjas were recently responsible for destroying in their entirety the rogues known as the Ghost Wolf Clan. We have been trying to hunt them and the Windham Clan down for distorting the old ways of ninjitsu and bushido, combining them into one defective entity. The old ways were meant to be separate, and both clans will pay for their folly of combining the two. Thanks to their efforts, we have only the Windhams to contend with. Therefore, as proper, we cannot interfere with them. For honor's sake, you realize."
"What about the Kuno honor? The ancestral home?" Kodachi gasped.
"I'm sure they didn't know. They destroyed quite a few other homes in the area as well; it meant little to them. In any event, we shall begin rebuilding the manor soon enough, never you need worry about that."
"Well, thank you for your time," Kuno said, brusquely. "I do not wish to trouble you further."
"It is no trouble, dear cousin--in fact, it is good to see family again, seeing as how I live so far away. Would you care to stay for lunch? I'm having Meexican food made. I found this wonderful restaurant in San Francisco--La Pistola Y El Corazon--and talked the head chef into passing me a few of his recipes."
"No thank you," Kuno said, rising from his seat. "We have to return to Tokyo to meet with the rest of our forces to marshal our assault." Kodachi did the same, sending the signal that their visit was over.
"Well, cousins, I wish you the best of luck." Kaguro stood up, then turned and strolled out of the room.
Twenty minutes later:
"What a fool! What a pompous, arrogant, fool! To refuse me and dismiss me as if I were a commoner! The Black Rose of St. Hebereke's, shall not stand for this!" she pouted, throwing her temper tantrum in front of all to see at Kyoto station. She'd been at this since they left the Kaguro grounds, and it appeared that there was no chance of her immediately stopping.
Kuno ignored his sister, as always. He was contemplating. Some how he had expected this, but to actually see it.... Clearly to him, the events of the last few days were simply beginning to boggle his mind. He, as had everyone else--{okay, mostly everyone,} glancing at the Brat Rose--began to act in a manner not typical of their natures, as of late. For him, it was stupefying. {Look at yourself, Tatewaki! Look at what you're doing! Actively seeking help to get the pigtailed girl...*and* Ranma back! Turning to your family to do so...and having that coward Yuji turn you down! Giving money...to *NABIKI*...in the event her funds run low!}
He shook his head in disbelief. {Have I gone mad? Or has the world done so? Things are changing, that's for sure, and perhaps not a portent of positive things to come, either. I, in a million years, would never have believed this to come to pass--helping Ranma; turning to that dolt Yujiiro for assistance; using funds in Nabiki's cause. Next, I shall begin to believe tthat, in the final equation, the Kuno honor and wealth pale when compared to the Tendo simplicity and peace.}
As the pair got on the bullet train, Kuno finished his thoughts as he watched his psychotic sister make an ass of herself: {And damn me if I'm not beginning to believe it *now.*}
* * *
Tokyo, 12:43 PM:
The streets in this area were fairly empty during the last few days. A huge amount of the city had been deserted in the aftermath of the attack by the UFO, and few signs showed that people had begun to return to a normal life yet. Some sections of the city--Nerima and Akihibara, for example--would take longer to return to their norm, considering the damage done. There were probaably some sections of the country that were destroyed in the so-called "Fire of Fate" that would probably never be populated again for years, if ever again.
Suginami ward wasn't one of the areas affected by the attack. Still, it was halfway deserted, with little chance of showing life again anytime soon. However, part of Ranma's chance lay in the hopes that two people could be found at one of four locations. Ryoga didn't know where Sanzenin Mikado lived--and couldn't give a damn about where the idiot's residence was, anyway. So that left three other locations: Kolhotz High, the Skating Rink, or Shiratori Azusa's house. He grinned for a second at that thought; it was always better to go there on his terms than on
After the "Charlotte Cup" incident, Ryoga and Akane got to know Azusa a little better. Surprisingly enough, it was discovered that once you got past the hyper-kawaii exterior, you found a sensitive and thoughtful girl beneath it, a girl who lived such a closeted life and who had so few friends--her baka yaro cousin Mikado not withstanding--that she'd turned to a bizarre form of kleptomania for comfort. Although she still tended to be that way at times, she at least was beginning to grow up slowly and surely. In any event, Akane and Ryoga had become the girl's two closest friends, and under their care, Azusa had become a little more open to the world, displaying a few talents no one knew she had. More importantly, she had kept Ryoga's secret.
{Now all I have to do is to find the place.} He glanced at his watch. {We left the dojo at about 9:30 this morning, and now it's nearly one in the afternoon and I can't find the place!}
A voice beside him rang out. "Hey, Ryoga."
He turned to face the small girl beside him. "What?"
Kurumi looked at him with a he-did-it-again look. "Look, you said Azusa lives in Suginami ward, right?"
"Yeah, which is in Tokyo. We're still *in* Tokyo. My sense of direction has improved a little, y'know. I'm getting sick and tired of people always picking on me about my sense of direction."
"Oh, we're in Tokyo, alright--Tokyo metro *area, not* the 23 Wards. As for the *city,* that's a different story. We're in Chiba."
"How can you tell?"
She stopped, then pointed. "Look."
The gates of Tokyo Disneyland greeted them with its daily cheer.
"Looks like I'll have to step in." She pulled out some handwritten notes, and walked to Maihama/Disneyland JR station. "Still, it was a nice try, though, Ryoga."
*"YOU HAD DIRECTIONS ALL THIS TIME?!?!"* He looked at her, frustration clearly plastered on his face. "Why didn't you use them?"
"Because I thought you could get us there without them," she replied. "Maybe a lot of others don't have faith in your directional skills, but I do."
"Oh." He blushed from embarrassment, and a bead of perspiration formed on his forehead. "I, um, I, er, um...thanks, Kurumi."
"No big thing. Let's get on the train and get going."
As they got on the train, she smiled inwardly. {I'm glad Akari gave me the heads-up; otherwise, I wouldn't have expected to be this far from the "life line". One of these days, I'm gonna hafta get me a DoCoMo.}
Forty-five minutes, one JR, and two Tokyo Subway trains later:
They stood in front of the Shiratori home. It was a nice place, a split level home with a garage on the first floor, and it had that expensive look to it. It was also their last chance. Both the skating rink and the high school didn't pan out successfully; the rink was closed and the high school was serving temporarily as an emergency shelter.
In any event, those were the least things of concern at the moment. The new question was: were they still home? Most of the homes on the street had been abandoned, and if one tried, you could easily imagine leaves rustling down the empty street as a hollow, sorrowful wind blew them past, a mocking sound of despair that had filled the area since the global crisis had begun.
Ryoga and Kurumi went to the front door and knocked. No answer. Then tried the doorbell. Again, no answer. Things were beginning to look bad.
"I'm wondering," he said to himself, "as to where she could've gone."
"Maybe her parents packed them up and cleared out for another city or something. Maybe another country. For all we know, they could be in Canada!"
"Thanks for the positive outlook," Ryoga snapped.
"Believe me, I'm none too happy about it either. Let's go find a phone an' call Nabiki. Maybe she'll know what to do."
They turned away from the door, heading down the stairs towards the street. What they saw made them that much more relieved.
In the distance, over the horizon of the street, two voices rang out against the oppressive silence.
*"I DON'T BELIEVE YOU!!! DON'T YOU EVER STOP?!?"* a male voice called out in frustration, which was answered by a kawaii female voice pouting, "Azusa only wanted her little Sofia. Is there anything wrong with that?"
*"You DON'T NEED one of those!"*
*"Azusa just loves her little Sofia!"*
*"Well, you've gone too far this time!"*
There was silence for a second or two, followed immediately by the battlecry of *"YOU GIVE AZUSA BACK HER LITTLE SOFIA!!!!"* and the painful sound of bone being crunched by metal. Over and over.
Ryoga turned to Kurumi, half-elated, half-confused. "Well, at least we know that Azusa is okay. Don't know about Mikado, though."
Over the line of the horizon finally came the young woman known as Shiratori Azusa. The effects of her friendship with Akane and Ryoga were now beginning to show, as she was no longer the same 16-going-on-12-year-old that she was. For starters, she was currently wearing a soft blue sweater and white jeans, having decided to move to an older, more fashionable style. She'd put on a few vertical inches in the past year or so, and was now about the same height as Ryoga, though her body proportions had remained relatively the same. Her soft-permed light brown hair fluttered in the breeze, the old hairbow replaced by a Japanese ponytail, and she was skating along merrily on a pair of Rollerblades, having ditched the old quad-wheels. She also appeared to be towing behind her a little wagon, which held her latest acquisition, Sofia.
Sofia turned out to be the ejection seat from one of the downed military aircraft that littered the Tokyo landscape as of late. It was a bit burnt and carbon-scored, but it was cute enough for Azusa, and that's all that mattered. As the girl rolled Sofia along in its transport, Ryoga noticed something else. That something else turned out to be a very unconscious and battered Sanzenin Mikado slumped over the seat, with a mailbox wrapped around his head.
Azusa turned to her old skating partner and cousin and said in her cutest see-I-told-you-so voice, "See? If Azusa hadn't picked up little Sofia, then your trip to my house would be decidedly more inconvenient. And you say I never share."
"Hey, Azusa!" Ryoga called out from his location.
She saw him and raced towards him, shouting, "My Charlotte!"
"'Charlotte?'" Kurumi asked dubiously.
"Inside joke. Trust me," he replied as he was tackled by the girl as she hugged him fiercely. This was replaced a second or two later by the gasping request, "Um...(ukk) can you let (ukk) me breathe, Azusa?"
"Oh. Sorry, Ryoga." She got back to her feet and helped him up to his. "I saw you guys on the news. I'm so glad you're all okay! I haven't seen you in days! How are you and Akari doing? And how's Akane? Is she okay? I saw all those reporters picking on her on TV."
"We're fine. As for Akane, well...that's why we're here. She needs your help."
"Akane's in trouble?" Azusa fretted (and boy, did it ever look cute!), then sighed. "Well, help me carry Sofia up to my room, then we'll talk over some tea."
About ten minutes later, Azusa whipped up lunch for the four of them, as well as an ice pack for Mikado (the previous butler, Robes-Pierre, had quit a week after the "Charlotte Cup" incident, and the new one was on week two of a three week vacation in Paris). Ryoga introduced Kurumi to Azusa, and the pair hit it off instantly. Mikado, ever the self-described ladies' man, introduced himself to Kurumi. Which is to say he instantly began hitting on her. "And such an enchanting young woman you are, young miss. You're name is...?"
"Kurumi," she responded, dreamily. "Tendo Kurumi." {He is such a hunk!}
"Tendo?" he said the surname as though it carried a fatal curse. Which wasn't true; the name was only soon to be wedded to a tragic one. "As in 'Tendo Akane'?"
"Yeah, she's my sister. I'm the youngest." Kurumi's hope of Prince Charming number eighty-seven was suddenly crushed as the handsome guy backed away from her, muttering something about "absolutely insane martial artists." She let him get as far as virtually insulting Ranma and Akane before she pulled out one of Akane's mallets from Rumikspace and slammed him over the head with it.
"Charlemagne!" She reached for the hammer, but then looked at Ryoga's disapproving glance. She then turned to Kurumi. "May I?"
"Sure. Akane won't miss it; she rarely gets a chance to use them nowadays."
With that response, Azusa picked the mallet off the crumpled body, bolted upstairs with it, then ran back down, and gave Kurumi something. "Here. This is for you."
It was a box. Kurumi opened it up, and found a beautiful white gold bracelet inside. "Ooooh...Azusa, I can't acce--"
"Sure you can. I made it. That's what I want to do for a living someday--design fashion accessories and such. Someday, I'll have my own fashion design label. Just watch."
"Arigato gozaimasu, Azusa. I truly appreciate it." She slipped it onto her wrist and watched it sparkle in the light.
"Okay, now that that's done, we can get down to business. You said something happened to Akane. What's going on? What can I do to help?"
"You'd better wake up him too," Kurumi added, as she pointed a toe at Sir Crushed-a-Lot. "He's involved in this too, whether he wants to be or not."
It took Ryoga twenty minutes and about four times to explain what had occurred to Ranma before Azusa understood the implications. "So you need us to help you, right? Not as skaters, but as martial artists?"
"That's right," Kurumi said. "Kodachi mentioned something about a capoeria fighter taking her down. From what Akane told me, your skating routines aren't that much different."
"Actually, our skating instructor also taught that martial art to us, as well--that's what our routines are based on. Colombo-sensei always said that the Dance was the same, whether used for art or Art---whatever that meant." She shook her head in that so-so way, then giggled girlishly.
Mikado, however, was less than thrilled about the request. "So you're saying that we have to actually fight on their turf, on their terms? I don't like those odds. I like the reason why even less."
"Only if you're willing to," Ryoga pointed out. "I was serious when I said that these people are killers. We survived because they thought we weren't worth it. I want to show them that they're wrong. As for the reason, that's your business."
"But to save Saotome?" Mikado commented. "Not worth it. I'm not risking *my* hide for that bastard."
Emotion momentarily flashed through Azusa's eyes. "Mikki," she said, using her pet name for him, "I know you don't like Ranma, but will you do it for Akane? She must be worried sick about him."
"Azusa, I don't care. As far as I'm concerned, Tendo Akane isn't worth it. It's not like I'm getting anything out of it...or her, y'know. Besides, jungles are bad for my complexion. Have to look my best for the *deserving* girls, ne?"
"Why, you son of a...." Ryoga growled and made a fist.
Kurumi said nothing, but began to lunge for Mikado's throat...
...but Azusa was faster. She nailed Mikado with a fierce kick across the jaw. *"HOW DARE YOU!"* she shouted, and not in her usual kawaii voice.
Ryoga and Kurumi facefaulted. Azusa Shiratori just went hard-core, something that, to Ryoga's knowledge, had never happened.
She continued, grabbing his shirt while he was dazed. She pulled him to eye level--a lot closer than it used to be--and glared at him with angry eyes. *"Mikado, I thought better of you. Akane's my friend aand she needs our help. She was there for me whenever I needed a shoulder to cry on--even when you weren't there."*
"B-b-b-b-bu..." he stammered. This couldn't be happening. His little cousin was always weak-willed and simplistic, if a little violent. {Akane and Hibiki must've finally infected her with their *high-tempered* violent attitudes.}
Azusa didn't give him time to recover. *"You're supposed to be my partner...my friend...in all things. Apparently I was wrong. I don't care if you don't like Ranma. But he is Akane's intended. Akane's my friend, and I'm not letting her down."*
"Then don't. But don't drag me into your little disaster." He was staring her down.
She called his bluff. *"Find yourself another skating partner, then. As of this moment, we're through. I quit."*
"You can't quit. Without me, you're nothing. I won't let you quit." Mikado stared at her emotionlessly.
*"Consider this my resignation."* She threw a punch hard enough to put him under, then tossed him away from her in disgust. She went so far as to move seats, thus removing the filth from her presence. She stood quietly for a second, not daring to move, as if she had just defied the very kami above.
Kurumi, not understanding what had just occurred, or how extreme it was, said nothing. Ryoga looked like he had just witnessed the end of an era. "Azusa...."
She turned to Ryoga, and stated, "Let me pack a bag, then we'll go. Do you and Akari mind if I stay at your place? My parents are putting in overtime at the Ministry; I'll leave them a note."
"Ryoga and Akari's apartment was destroyed by the blast that the UFO caused. They're staying at the dojo, at present. If you'd like to come, I'd love to have you as my guest. Things are going to get a bit crowded, though; we're using the place as a meeting location for everyone."
"That's okay," she replied. "It would be easier to leave from there, anyway. I'll be right back.." She strolled out of the room, humming to herself, ensuring that she stepped on Mikado's unconscious body as she walked towards her room.
Ten minutes later, she came out, carrying a soft gray duffel bag. Stepping *(hard)* on Mikado once more, she went over to her two friends. One major change is that she was no longer wearing her boots that were combination Rollerblades/ice skates. She now had a pair of regular tennis shoes on, and they, by the looks of it, were just that--everyday tennis shoes. When she said she quit did she also mean that she *quit*--permanently? "I'm ready to go if you guyss are. Oh--wait a second."
To their surprise, she went over and kneeled beside her fallen cousin. She whispered softly to him, saying, "Mikki, if you change your mind, you know where I am. I'd really like it if you'd come." She kissed him gently on the cheek...then bopped him once more upside the head, saying, "Get the hint."
"So, you ready to go now?" Ryoga held a faint trace of a smile on his lips. {Azusa's definitely become her own person, now. Maybe if I wasn't engaged, being "her Charlotte" wouldn't be as bad, and would've taken on a whole different meaning.}
She nodded her head, smiling. "Hai, dozo. I have a feeling this will be one kawaii adventure, and a grand new start for yours truly."
The trio stepped out of Azusa's home, where she attached her note for her parents on the door as she locked it. Not too surprising, she also affixed a second note for Mikado, giving him directions to the Tendo dojo in the event that he did change his mind. With that accomplished, the three began to walk down the empty street, towards the subway station, eventually fading away from view off the Shiratori home.
However, as they faded into the distance, voices burst forth, punching their way into the air:
"Oh, that vending machine is sooooo *cute!* Cassandra! Cassandra!"
"C'mon, Azusa. We have other things to worry about right now. It'll still be here when we get back."
"But Ryoga, Azusa only wants her little Cassandra! What's so wrong about that?"
* * *
Telephone call between Japan and the US, 9:28 PM PST:
The office was very comfortable, not at all what one would expect an office to be like: fireplace, tons of books, plush carpeting, stained cherrywood furniture, and a wet bar. Of course, then again, this wasn't an office in a building in Seattle. This was a home office in a substantially large estate in the town of Everett, several miles north. Close enough to the hustle and bustle of the big-city-that-really-wasn't, yet far enough out away to enjoy the woodland paradise that was the northern Pacific state of Washington.
A man sat in the plush chair by the desk, feet propped up, but not relaxed. He holds in one hand, a fine cigar; in the other, a telephone. He looked to be in his late thirties or early forties, with salt and pepper hair and clear, engaging green eyes; he was somehow elegant and debonair despite being dressed in a black turtleneck and gray slacks. Despite being in middle age, he was far fitter than most half his age: large, muscular, and well-defined. To look at him normally, he would look like a mixture between a stern disciplinarian and a truly caring father. Right now, his face read differently.
Kyle Windham, Attorney at Law. Also known as Kyle Windham, Master Shinobi of the Windham clan of ninjas. Perhaps even more important than that at this moment, also Kyle Windham, one of the few people in the world, that for better or for worse, could be called "friend" by Saotome Genma and Tendo Soun.
At the moment, Kyle Windham offered what he and the Windhams could do to help the situation, although his resources were strained at the moment. He spoke to them via the phone, speaking in clear Japanese that was the culmination of many years of living in the Land of the Rising Sun.
"Tendo-kun," Kyle began, "I will send you and Saotome-kun assistance. I'm afraid that it won't be much, though: most of my top shinobi are unavailable at the moment; and the CIA has contracted with us for searching out that UFO. The remainder of my forces are hunting down that group who destroyed the Ghost Wolves, or investigating Tiennamen."
"Windham-kun, Saotome-kun and I thank you. Are you sure you cannot make the journey yourself? It has been so long since we have seen you, old friend, and the three of us together could easily defeat the forces of our foe."
"My deepest regrets and most heartfelt apologies, Tendo-kun. There's a sizable case I have appearing in court next week that I must prepare for. Additionally, since the world appears on the brink of a nuclear holocaust, the government would like to know where I am at all times in the event the Windhams are needed full time. Because of this, I must keep the majority of my elite team in reserve.
"However, I will send that team's second in command to assist. He's a veteran of these type of situations, and I trust him completely. I would send the team leader, but she has to study for her college entrance exams."
"I can certainly understand that--Akane, Natsumi, and Ranma are very busy with that as well." Kyle caught his friend's slip; he knew it was a sign of how dessperate the situation must be. "Still, it will be an honor to have your man join our forces."
"Anything to help my old friends. I truly wish I could do more."
"Your assistance is more than enough, Kyle; lesser men would not bother."
"Lesser men than I would not have great friends such as you and Genma." He glanced at his watch. "If I am to have my man ready, I must brief him, so I must leave you now; doubtless you have other concerns as well."
"Until next time, old friend."
"Until next, friend Soun." He pressed the reset button on the phone. After a second, he punched in another phone number, this one local. Switching to English, he spoke briefly and tersely, yet politely. He knew that by doing so, the drama of the situation would be communicated most easily. "John, Kyle here. Can you come to the compound? We have a new situation."
A few minutes later, in the pool room:
The 9 ball caromed off the side and into a pocket. Kyle groaned. "John, I don't know how you do it. I've been trying to master that particular shot for years."
"Skill, Kyle, skill. That, and twenty years of playing pool in Army rec rooms," the man laughed.
"I'm not gonna go join the Army just to learn pool."
"Hey, being a Green Beret was hard work, sometimes. You won't *believe* how good some of those other service Spec Forces played," John grinned.
Kyle just smiled, took a sip of his drink, and looked at his friend. John Twinmoon, Major, US Army Special Forces (retired), now day-to-day director of the Windham ninja clan, and second-in-command of the clan's elite shinobi team. John took a swig of his own and readied for the next shot (he picked the hardest one on the table), which he made, with unbelievable ease. {Ye Gods, is there nothing the man can't do?} Kyle thought impressively. {Of course,} he realized, {that's why I hired him, that's why we're friends. Because he is such a miracle worker, and it is the rare item that he fails at.}
John stood about 6'4", and topped about 315 pounds. He, in short, was *HUGE.* Barrel chest, monstrous arms, and the works. He had a dark-skinned, weather-beaten and ruddy look about him, one that told of his heritage as a Cherokee Indian and his twenty years of highly-decorated military service, evident in his ash-gray ARMY T-shirt he was wearing. His coal-black eyes and matching hair spoke volume about determination and kindness in the same voice. He was the best fighter that Kyle had, second only to himself and one other.
John made the next shot (picking yet another difficult one), then looked at Kyle. "So what's this about, Kyle? You usually don't call me out here at 9:45 for a simple game of pool. What gives?"
"You're right, John; I usually don't. I need you to go solo on a mission. My old friends in Japan require assistance, and I can't let them down. I'd go myself, but between the Stanslaw case and the CIA, that's keeping me here. I'd like you to go in my place."
"Aren't we being stretched a little thin, already? We already have three teams operating in Asia, hunting the forces that exterminated the Ghost Wolf Clan, checking out that CIA problem, or operating in Beijing. Couldn't we detail one or two members to Tokyo for this?"
Kyle took a shot, missed. He grabbed his glass, then drained it in one shot. "Sorry. I told Soun and Genma that since I couldn't come, I'd be sending my best. That's you."
"That's not me, and you know it. Why isn't she--"
*"No."* Kyle's voice was firm. "She's got her SAT this week, and I want her to be ready for that."
John frowned. "Kyle, I think you're protecting her--from both the CIA and this little situation. You can't do the Daddy-will-protect-you-from-everything routine forever. She''s eighteen, and the best damn shinobi I've ever seen--and I've seen a lot. Damn it, Kyle, she's better than *you;* she's just too naive--which is why *she* should be going, not me; if she's gonna be the Master Shinobi when you retire, she needs the experience."
"Her training's not complete. I trained her--"
"You trained her for this, against Molly's wishes. Now you want to back out? Not good."
"Please, John. That's a different issue. It's just...." Kyle couldn't finish his statement, preferring to stare into his empty glass.
"Okay, Kyle--you win. We'll take this up later. Besides, under the circumstances, even Molly wouldn't know what side to take on this isssue." He got up and headed to the door. "I'm gonna pack. Have our Ops boys set up a quick dossier on the situation and the tickets to Narita; set me up for a car--my international license should still be valid. Put me on Delta; I could use the frequent flier miles." He went up to Kyle and clapped him on the back, saying, "Think about it, my friend: She's growing up. You can't protect her forever." Without saying anything further, he left.
Kyle went to the window and stared at the nighttime sky, looking at the starscape and hoping for inner peace. He wasn't finding any. He was now forced to help in a situation that because of his own ineptness, he was left out of. {I remember the day that Soun, Genma and I decided to pledge to unite our three families. I thought that initially, when Molly and I had Geoffrey, and Soun and Yoshie had Kasumi, that would be it. Certainly, a couple of years later, when we had our daughter around the same time Genma and Nodoka had Ranma, we'd be covered.
{I hadn't counted on Geoffrey being killed in that training accident. Then Molly and I fought for years in regards to the training of our other two children; I can't blame her for hating my decision to continue their training in the Clan Arts. And then when she found out about our little three-way agreement, I almost lost my family. I had no choice but to pull out of our agreement; that day, never before had I ever felt so much dishonor.
{Now I have a chance to make it up to them in a minor way. I just hope I can. If there's anything else I can do to save your child, Genma, I will; to save the union between Ranma and Soun's little Akane.}
Disturbing his thoughts, a pair of arms snaked from behind him and held him firm. Firm, yet obviously in a loving sense. The voice that spoke confirmed it. "The stars are awfully pretty tonight, aren't they, Dad?"
He turned around to face the speaker. "Not quite as beautiful as you, princess."
The speaker in question was a young girl of eighteen. She was about 5'8", with a thin, athletic, build and a sculpted, yet attractive body, clothed at the moment in a beret, white blouse, and brown skirt. Her equally attractive face was highlighted by her father's engaging green eyes (though placed behind a pair of eyeglasses) and waist-long, flowing, dusty blonde hair. At the current moment, those eyes were a little too inquisitive for his taste. "Dad, I just ran into John as he was leaving. What operation is going on this time?"
He turned away from his daughter, as if composing his thoughts. Turning back to her, he replied, "Some investigation in Japan. Nothing more."
She playfully arched an eyebrow as she looked at her father. "Nothing except for that UFO, right? The one that every government's looking high and low for?"
Kyle nearly facefaulted. {How did she put two and two together so rapidly? She's brilliant, Kyle,} he told himself. {She's just like her mother, and every bit as much as Geoff would've turned out. She'll make a damn good Master Shinobi someday.}
As if sensing his thoughts, she continued. "Dad, I talked to our intelligence boys. There's a good chance that the object in question might be down in the French Indochina region. If I took a team down there, I'll--"
"Not needed, princess. We already have two teams scouring the area, and getting information from a couple of national agencies. That's why John's going," he lied, though it snapped at his conscience. "He's going to coordinate our teams there. I need his military experience there; that's why he's going instead of you. Besides, you have your SAT in two days. Why aren't you studying, by the way?"
She looked at him with the glance her mother had used on him many times before; the glance that said she saw through his smoke screen, but was going to let the issue drop. "I'm more than prepared for it. I got a perfect score on the pre-test, and I'm not going to do any good worrying about the issue. I already know I've got it in the bag; what more is there to say or do?"
{So full of confidence. She's definitely a Windham.} "Good for you, daughter of mine."
She shrugged her shoulders, then winked in that little way that implied that she was twelve steps ahead of him. "Dad, Autumn and I are going to the movies with Coral. Don't wait up for us, okay?" She hugged her father once more, then stepped away, heading towards the garage.
He turned back to his view of the nighttime sky, murmuring, "I'm truly proud of you, Liberty."
As she walked down the main hall of the Windham home, Libby Windham smiled, calling back over her shoulder, "I know, Dad. I *do* try."
* * *
Nerima, the following day, 8:09 AM, JST.
"Nabiki, please get some sleep. You're not going to do any good if you're in this condition." Kasumi looked at her sister with as much of a firm stare as she could muster. Behind those brown eyes of hers was genuine concern for her sister's current state.
"Shut up and pass me another cup of coffee," Nabiki snapped. She put her head down on the table, nearly knocking over the bowl of cereal that was brought for her. "Sorry, Kasumi. I didn't mean that. I just need the coffee."
*"You need sleep,"* she amended, sounding a little more forceful than usual.
"I can sleep on the plane to Hong Kong. We have a one-day layover there, then off to Hanoi."
"You've been up for two days straight. What you're doing is admirable, and we're all proud of you, but you won't do any good to Akane if you can't get any sleep."
"Sis, I've been up for two days pulling every string I have *ever* had, using every connection I have *ever* built up. As it stands, we're on the plane in six hours, and I still don't have clearance visas for all of us yet. I've got my friend at the Ministry doing some work for me at the Vietnamese Embassy, but it's not enough, Kasumi. It's not enough." She buried her head in her hands. "We're beginning to run thin on funds. With the Nikkei down, I've lost some of the assets that I could've used to finance this. My stocks in New York and Zurich are also inaccessible for roughly the same reason. Kuno's begun to shoulder some of the funds--and I have no idea *why*--but it's nowhere near what we'll still need." With a burst of strength, she punched her desk, a ssymbol of her perceived failure. "All this, and it's not doing Akane one damn bit of good! What am I gonna do, sis?"
"Nabiki." Kasumi whispered the name, the tone of worry clear as a bell.
"I'm fine, sis. Don't worry about me. You have Tofu to worry about. He's worked himself to exhaustion, taking care of the injured from the attack on the area. I'll be fine, I'll figure something out as always. Trust me."
"If you're sure...just make sure you'll be ready to leave when the time comes. Akane will need your counsel, Nabiki; you're the smartest of us all, and you can't help her if you're not in peak form." Kasumi opened the door to leave; she had other things to attend to in the household.
"Don't worry, sis. I'm perfectly fine," she remarked as she watched her sister leave her room. In truth, though, she didn't look fine. Not one bit. The impish gleam usually found in her eyes had faded to reddish exhaustion. She had a rumpled and ragged look to her, as she did every morning, but this one was a thousand times more severe. Her left cheek had the imprint of someone who had dozed off on the 386's keyboard once too often. Her telephone and computer--she had two extra phone lines in the house; one for her and one for the modem...a secret she had previously kept from the faamily--had been overtaxed beyond the normal usage. She'd used up a substantial amount of her personal funds--funds that she didn't allocate for the bills and such--money that she'd been squirreling away for the eventual purchase of her own company when she was older. Now, in the last two days, most of that money was gone, used up in order to pay for tickets or emergency visas or even a few "under the table" items and incidentals.
In the end though, she knew it was going to a cause far worthier than the future Tendo, Ltd. It was going to save Ranma. And that was good enough for her. It was good enough since the day they had that private conversation about three weeks after the wedding fiasco:
"Ranma, what are you going to do about all this?" she had screamed at him. They were in a park in Nerima, where Nabiki had hit him with the bill for all the damages caused by the wedding. Akane, thankfully, wasn't there; she'd just begun to admit her love for Ranma, and she didn't want to hurt her sister because of this baka yaro. The reason for her anger was simple enough: the family's funds had been depleted by the total damages, and the remaining bills--even with the trust account her mother had set up so long ago, the rent from the property they owned in northern Kyushu and Nabiki's additions--plunged them very deep into the red this month.
"Nothing," he said, nonchalantly. "You'll get the money out of me, like always."
*"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU MEAN BY THAT, RANMA?!?"* She'd finally lost her temper with him. "How dare you even suggest that you contribute anything to this household, you damn freeloading--"
"Okay, Nabiki," he growled, stopping her. *"I've had enough.* I've put up with enough of your guilt trips. This little scheming of yours ends here and now. You don't know nothin', do ya?"
"I know enough to know--"
He interrupted her. "No. You don't. You think you're so smart, dontcha? That you can con me out of all sorts of cash, right? Dead wrong, Nabiki. You do 'cause I let you. You haven't fooled me since the first couple of times you nailed me. I'm not too bright, but I have *some* common sense. Enough to know how to take care of my family--which includes you. And I'm smart enough to know that your father's too proud to accept any kind of help from his future soon-in-law.
"Think about this, Nabiki, think hard. Have I ever really complained about all the ridiculous items you charge me with? Do you ever wonder why I borrow so much from you, then take so long to pay it back, letting the interest build up? Do I complain whenever you sell photos of me in my cursed form? *Akane* does--not me. How 'bout when we were engaged, and you were renting me out for dates? I didn't care for that, but I didn't complaain about that either.
"When Kasumi and Tofu married, and I moved into her room, didja ever notice I don't have too much stuff? That stereo that I have--I didn't buy it; it was a birthday gift from Uc-chan. The posters, I won at a festival. Most of the CDs I borrow from Hiiroshi or Daisuke. I haven't bought much in the way of anything for myself, save clothing and junk food; all of my clothing for my onna form comes from you three. I only buy new clothes when Kasumi can't sew up the old ones.
" So, I have no need for new clothes, or much else for that matter. In short, my total stuff is near zilch. Nothing. An' that's on purpose.
"Reason why? Most of my allowance goes to you, and I know where you spend it. On the house, and the bills. I'd take a job and work on a regular basis, but that would give me away, since I'm trying to be, y'know, secret about all this.
"Get a clue, Nabiki. I'm contributing in my own way, even if you don't realize it. I really thought you knew me, thought better of me. I guess I was wrong. Kasumi and Akane know the truth, by the way--Kasumi's known all along; I'm not sure how long Akane's known."
His fixed his baby-blue eyes on her. They read as cold as ice. "Don't ever treat me like I don't care, never again. I care about you all; I just wish there was more I could do."
And with that, he walked away, leaving a speechless Nabiki to her thoughts.
Later that night, Nabiki went over her spreadsheets and discovered...that he was right. So she apologized to him the next day, and since then, he'd just simply given her his part of the household funds, with just enough occasional "scheming" on her part to keep up appearances.
But that was the day that she'd discovered that Ranma was not the person she thought him to be, but instead the kind of person she'd hoped he'd be for Akane. Since then, he'd slowly become the person that he was now; her family member, de facto brother-in-law...and her friend. One of the few who knew what kind of person she really was, and what she really wanted out of life.
Now he was kidnapped, spirited away by who knows what demonic force that was in that "Crystal Temple". Certainly, it was madness to take on these lunatics--they'd caused a global panic and sent the world on the verge of war, for crying out loud! It was hard enough getting out off the country at the moment, but to go to Vietnam?!? It was a truly blessed thing that she was able to bribe and wheedle at will, and use every dirty trick she had to get what they needed...and it wasn't over yet. That's why she was going to Vietnam. That and the fact that she was genuinely concerned for her soon-to-be brother-in-law. {I'm still wondering how much it's gonna cost us to get the National Police off our backs when they get wind of Akane's little army. I'm glad Kuno's willing to cough up money for that.}
That in itself was another of the great oddities that was happening since this event began. Kuno Tatewaki was not acting like himself: he gave Nabiki tons of cash to fund her "activities"; he'd been one of the most vocal in finding allies for the cause; he'd even left Akane mostly alone, with her wistful longing for her Ranma. He was beginning to act...like a normal person. It was disturbing, to say the least.
Of course, she didn't have much room to talk, either: in two days, she'd thrown away her perfected "ice queen" persona, replacing it with the current woman-on-a-mission one; thus, people were beginning to find out that the Great Yen Cobra, She Who Was Colder Than Natsumi, was in fact, somebody who hid her concerns about her family behind her day-to-day money scams.
And she had the funny feeling that the surprises weren't even close to done, yet.
"How is she, Kasumi?"
"Not at all good, Auntie." Kasumi sighed.
"Would you like me to talk to her?" Saotome Nodoka's eyes reflected concern.
"No, Auntie, I don't think that will be needed. She'll be fine, as long as she gets some sleep." She looked at Nodoka, then smiled sunnily. "Besides, you shouldn't have to worry about that right now. You have more important things to worry about."
Nodoka returned that smile. "Yes, I know. I just can't help but be the motherly sort, if you know what I mean." She ran her hand across her swollen belly, in gesture. She had been that way for nine months now, and it was almost time to bring another Saotome into the world.
From behind and below, Hina-chan smiled. "It must be wonderful having children, isn't it, Nodoka-san? I really wish I could have children, but it's kind of difficult when you're a child yourself."
"Do not trouble yourself, Hinako-san. I can see you as the perfect wife and mother someday."
"Oh my...having another child around here would be certainly interesting," Kasumi remarked. "Another Tendo daughter around here...."
Hina-chan giggled. "Soun won't like that, but with five of them already, I guess he'll have to live with it."
Meanwhile, sitting on the engawa, Soun and Genma were playing chess, for a change. Hinako enjoyed the game, and had gotten Soun interested in it as a result. Although there was less familiarity with (breaking) the rules, since this was relatively new to them, wide interpretation of known rules was given highest latitude. Truth be told, though, it was strained in the Tendo household. It had been strained since the events of three days ago.
As soon as the public had been informed on the attack in Nerima, Nodoka and Genma were on the next available shinkansen out of Osaka. It didn't matter that Nodoka was nearly to term--their son and his family might be in trouble, and that's what was important. When they arrived at the dojo and were updatedd on the rescue operation underway, Nodoka immediately decided that Soun and Genma were going. Genma because of the curse, and Soun to keep Genma out of trouble; she reasoned that someone would come along to keep them *both* out of trouble.
"Saotome-kun," Soun said to his old friend, "I talked to Windham-kun last night. He said cannot come personally, but he'll be sending us assistance shortly."
Genma, currently in Panda form, held up a sign and barked a guttural response, attempting to talk. The sign read, [[THAT IS GOOD TO KNOW. HOW IS KYLE DOING, ANYWAY? IS HE SENDING HIS DAUGHTER TO HELP?]]
Soun smiled. "Kyle said he's doing well, but his Clan is stretched thin due to prior commitments. Liberty will not be coming, as she has to prepare for her own college entrance exams. Besides, the least thing we need here is another fiancée for Ranma."
Another sign. [[AT LEAST THAT ONE WASN'T MY FAULT. MY WIFE WOULD KILL ME.]] For emphasis, he then dragged the sign across the length of his furry neck.
"If another one popped up, *I'd* kill you," Soun muttered, only partially in jest.
Genma changed the subject. [[DO YOU REALLY THINK IT IS SAFE TO LEAVE THE WOMEN BEHIND? I DON'T CARE TOO MUCH FOR THAT IDEA.]]
"So you think we should stay behind to protect the women, eh, Saotome-kun? That's an excellent idea."
[[RIGHT; AS IF NODOKA WOULD EVER LET ME. WHAT I MEANT WAS, I THINK *YOU* SHOULD STAY BEHIND.]]
"So, you're saying I'm not enough of a martial artist to fight for my son-in-law then?!?" Soun's voice rose.
The Panda waved that idea off in embarrassment, as a bead of perspiration settled on his furry brow. [[WHAT I MEANT WAS THAT MY WIFE'S TIME IS ALMOST UP, AND I'D LIKE SOMEONE I TRUST HERE TO TAKE CARE OF HER.]]
"Gee, and I thought that I would cover that bill," Tofu said as he sat down next to the pair.
[[I DIDN'T MEAN THAT,]] he replied. [[WHAT I MEANT WAS, IN THE END, THIS IS MY SON WE'RE TALKING ABOUT HERE. IT IS MY DUTY TO RESCUE HIM. I DON'T WANT MY FAMILY DAMAGED ANYMORE THAN WE'VE ALREADY BEEN BY THE CURSE.]]
"Besides, Nodoka-san will pound you into the floor if you don't go, won't she?" Soun teased.
[[VERY FUNNY,]] he wrote indignantly.
"Well," Tofu asked, "why not Soun-otoosan? Why do you insist on him not going?"
[[I'D FEEL MUCH BETTER IF MY BEST FRIEND WAS HERE TO STAND IN MY PLACE IF NODOKA WERE TO HAVE THE CHILD WHILE I'M GONE. BESIDES, A TRUE MARTIAL ARTIST MUST SACRIFICE FOR THE SAKE OF THE FUTURE.]]
"Well, if that's the case, I'm your man, then."
[[OKAY, IT'S SETTLED. YOU'LL GO, AND I'LL STAY.]]
"That's absolutely right--now wait just one moment, Saotome-kun! Do you *really* expect me to fall for that old gag?"
[[HEY, I HAD TO TRY.]]
Tofu sighed, thinking to himself, {And I'm going to be related to *both* of them? Maybe, when all this is over, Kasumi and I should think about moving to another location...like Nagasaki.} In reality, though, he was more than happy to have these weird and wonderful people as part of his life. Especially since the one person who mattered most to him came with the package.
He suddenly found himself saying aloud, "Family is special. They should be cherished."
What was that you said, son?" Soun asked.
"Nothing." An enigmatic smile crossed his face.
* * *
A couple of hours later, the "away team", as Kurumi had dubbed it (apparently from watching way too many _Star Trek_ episodes), were in the dojo, discussing their battle plan, and making last minute preparations before they got on the train to Narita. This would be the last time that Nabiki could make extensive changes and corrections; they'd need to semi-finalize everything now. At the moment, Akane was gathering everybody's tales on their potential opponents, and with a little help from Genma, was trying to decide who would be best suited to face whom. From the events told by the fighters present, it appeared that some of these fighters they were about to face were seriously powerful, not to mention murderous. However, everybody present had already pledged their lives to save Ranma; they knew what they were getting into. Additionally, Genma had already made it crystal-clear that everybody fighting would be double-teaming. His reasoning was simple enough--if these people were as dangerous as advertised, and easily took out Ranma, it would take all the skills and knowledge of twwo to defeat each of their enemies...and walk away alive.
Without Ukyo's description of her opponent, that left an enigma. Additionally, there wasn't much known about the man who had held Ranma when Akane had looked at him. However, that didn't matter to her, as she had decided that she wanted his hide, regardless of his power or the danger...or the fact that she'd barely begun to tap the well that was her ki skills.
"Akane, you have no idea how powerful that guy is!" exclaimed Natsumi. "You said he wiped Kuno away with a single blow--no offense, Kuno."
"None taken," he replied, in a calm controlled voice. This made people a bit jumpier; Nabiki wasn't the only one who'd noticed the change in his attitude over the past few days.
Natsumi continued. "You have to be crazy. You'll get yourself killed!"
"I don't care, Natsu-chan. Ranma is my love, my life. I can't live without him; these last three days have made me realize that. I've already lost my mother; I can't lose another person to this. Never again; I will save him or die trying. Period." The look in her eyes said it clearer than her words: {any opposition will be bull-dozed through.}
Genma looked at her. "I'm not letting you go in there alone, Akane, regardless of what you're thinking. We go in to save my son. We go in as one family."
She briefly hugged him, a look of impressed surprise in her eyes--she never thought him capable of this...or anything good at all, truth be told. "Hai, domo. We go in as a family, then."
Konatsu's eyes gleamed in a similar manner. "I don't know about you, but I want another shot at that knife wielding maniac. I'll take Uc-chan as my back-up. We'll find him and defeat him, Akane. Whatever it takes."
Kurumi's glare joined the group. "I want that kid. She embarrassed me, and she seems very strong in the ki department. I'm not that good yet, so I need a partner." She turned to Ryoga. "Care to join me?"
He looked at Akari, who nodded. Then to Akane, whose eyes seemed to say, {Please take care of her, Ryoga. I'll fight alongside my future father-in-law.} He finally turned to Kurumi. "I'd be more than happy to. Between your ribbon whip and my Shi Shi Hokodan, we can bounce her off a few walls before she surrenders."
With Shampoo gone, Mousse would have to make the decision for the both of them. "We'll face the woman that attacked Ukyo. From the sketchy details we got, there's something vaguely familiar about her style, though I can't quite put my finger on it. However, Shampoo and I should have no problem with her. Besides, Akane, like you said earlier, I have to help my friends, right?"
Nabiki, barely awake, commented dryly, "I'd think we'd have more of a problem with Shampoo than with that other girl, but I digress."
Akane, surprisingly enough, disagreed. "We called a truce. She'll do her part, and if that means she has to run interference for me, then she will. Ranma said to me once that she did the same when I was kidnapped by Kirin, she defeated an opponent for Ranma that would have prevented him from rescuing me in time. I owe her my trust in this." {About the only thing I *can* trust her in.}
"I want back at that brick who called me a 'ninjette'," Natsumi seethed. "I'll show him what a real ninja is. Furthermore, now I don't have to hold back, and I can open on him with everything I've got. I'll fight him alone, and I'll have no arguments on this. Period." Her eyes flashed messages of anger. "I declare a blood hunt on him, here and now."
"You don't *really* plan to kill him, do you?" Kurumi asked, a catch in her voice. "Remember what Papa and Saotome-san always say: martial artists never kill unless needed."
"Ku-chan," Natsumi said, voice as cold as a tomb. "I'm no longer a martial artist. I am a ninja. I no longer play by the same rules. My sensei taught me that we leave alive only when honor dictates that we do so. That man has damaged my personal honor, and the family honor. He has helped spirit away one of our own. He has indirectly slaughtered thousands of innocent Japanese men, women, and children throughout the country. The screams of the grieving and the dying cry out for justice, and I am a Ghost Wolf--that is my profession. Those who need it deserve justice done.
She stood up and looked at Konatsu. "He deserves no mercy, no quarter, and I shall give him none. I swear it on my family honor, and the blades and windmace I carry. I, as a member of the Ghost Wolf Clan, vow to carry that justice to him. Do you second me?"
Konatsu nodded. "I second you, clan sister."
A pause filled the room as the pair sat down, having completed the intonation of a blood hunt. The course of events had shifted into the realm of uncomfortable, harsh reality. Everyone was now reminded of the cold, blunt truth: there was a chance that some of them may not make it back.
After an uncomfortable silence, Ryoga started the conversation once again. "Aren't we all forgetting something? We still have four more opponents to deal with: the one that took out Ranma, the one that I fought, the one that beat Kodachi here, and--did you forget--their army?"
Kuno spoke up. "I shall take it upon myself to challenge the one that injured my fair pigtailed girl." He turned to Kodachi. "I suppose that I'm insane to say this, but I will require your services in this matter."
Kodachi laughed in his face. *"My* services? *Really,* brother dear, I think not. I'm not in this to save your red-haired puffin; I'm here to save my Ranma-sama!"
Quick thinking on Konatsu's part took care of that: "He, um, injured Ranma, as well, and responsible for Ranma's kidnapping, too."
Everybody watched as Kodachi's brain feverishly attempted to make two and two equal four. After a lengthy interlude, Kodachi finally admitted, sullenly, "I will help my brother in his attempt to defeat his...our...opponent." She stuck a tongue at him, *hmph*ed, then stuck her head up high in the opposite direction.
Shinnosuke commented next. "Kaori-chan and I will take on one of them--the woman who defeated you...."
"Ryoga."
"Right, thanks. Admittedly, I'm not very good as some of you, but I said I'd fight for my friends, and I will."
"Just be careful, Shinnosuke," Akane cautioned. This won her a nasty glare from Kaori.
Kurumi sighed. "We still have one left--the one that stopped Kodachi."
Kodachi hmphed once more. "The boorish jackanapes of a dandy that burned my favorite leotard? He was simply lucky. Yet," she admitted, "he is strong. It would take one better than of his skill to defeat him. I would do it, but I have already set my sights on the man who injured my beloved Ranma."
"I'll do it," Azusa said. "I'll fight him."
Akane, Ryoga, and Kurumi shouted as a symphony. *"NO, AZUSA! YOU'RE NOT GOING TO FACE HIM ALONE!"*
"She won't have to," a voice said at the door.
"I knew you would come, Mikado," she said as she leapt to the door and hugged him. She looked up and into his eyes. "Thank you."
He looked back down at her. "I dislike Tendo. I like Saotome even less. But I made a promise to be your partner, your friend, Azusa. Besides, you're my cousin--I can't let family down, now can I?" He did his signature toss of the head, then looked back down at her in seriousness. ""I understand that you want to quit skating, but I hope you change your mind.. Think it over, okay?"
Azusa's face suddenly had a pensive look to it. "I've already made up my mind, Mikado, but I'll think on it."
Nabiki returned back to consciousness long enough to whisper, "There's still the army."
"Don't worry about that." Another voice at the door. "That's my problem."
A man stood there, obviously a ninja. His skin was reddish-brown, and he had short jet-black hair and eyes. He wore the green gi that was a sign of the Windham Clan; this was confirmed by the stylized "W" symbol that was on the left breast of the tunic. However, this man seemed far too large and muscular to be a ninja. Also, his gi was multi-shaded, similar to military designs--even the Windham "W" was a dull black, set against a dark forest green patch. Lastly, he wore a green beret on his head--iff they had known, they would've easily identified it as a symbol of US Army Special Forces.
He looked at Genma. "Anata wa Saotome Genma-san desu? Hajimemasuhite. Watashi wa John Twinmoon. Dozo yoroshiku."
Genma smiled. "Your Japanese is excellent, Twinmoon-san."
"Thank you, Saotome-san." John bowed. "I have been sent by Kyle to assist you. I understand you need interference run with the enemy's army? Not a problem, I assure you. I was in the Army Special Forces before I became a Windham shinobi. I *AM* an Army."
Genma stood up and returned John's bow, then shook his hand. "Windham-kun is an honorable man and a true friend to send his best to assist us in our time of need."
Hinako peeked her head in. "Time for you all to go; your plane's leaving in four hours. My apologies, but Kasumi and Tofu couldn't stay to say their good-byes. They needed to return to their clinic for some new cases being brought in from the hospitals."
"Well, that's it then," Kurumi said. "I guess I'll go get my pack. I'll have to pick up a new gi when we get to Hong Kong, to replace my old one."
"Oh--that's right...Ku-chan, come with me." Akane grabbed her hand and led her out of the dojo, turning long enough to shout, "NNabiki, Natsumi, we'll grab your packs. Don't worry. The rest of you, we'll meet by the front gate in ten."
Ten minutes later, just outside the fence, Kurumi met the others, shouting, "Let's go! I'm ready to rock!" She was wearing her new combat gear--a lemon-yellow gi. A new red bow was in her hair, replacing her old one.
"Isn't that Akane's gi?" Mousse asked.
"Was. She said she didn't need it anymore, and she wanted me to have it."
"Well, what does she intend to wear?"
*"This."* Tendo Akane wandered out wearing something that both stunned and cheered the assembly. She wore a long sleeve white tang, with black pants and matching shoes. In short, she was dressed like Ranma. She taken a symbol of her love for him, and made that symbol her battle standard.
She looked at her friends and family, then spoke. "I'm going to be a Saotome, someday soon. I think it's time I began to act the part."
She looked up at the clear blue sky, and made one fervent, true promise, a promise filled with all the love she had for her fiancé: {Ranma, we'll be together again. I promise you this with all my heart and strength, my love. Wait for me, survive for me. Whatever they are doing to you, know that I love you, and I'm coming to save you.}
* * *
"My Lord Nguyen, I have a report." Roland kneeled before his master in the throne room.
"Make it quick. I am rather impatient today. My blushing bride still eludes me after three days. She has but two left, and cannot escape the Temple without my letting her. Which I will not do, of course."
"I understand, my Lord. But it may displease you to know that her allies are assembling in Hong Kong, readying to prepare a rescue offensive."
"Is that so?" Nguyen's eyes lit up with a dark mirth. "Well, it seems we'll have to show them the folly of their ways. Dispatch three teams to slaughter them. That will teach her allies that it is folly to think that they can defeat the Warlord Nguyen Tran Loc."
"It shall be done, My Lord."
