Part Three
New Kids on the Block.
Gathered around Akane's bed, everyone looked on in
silence as Doctor Tofu pulled the thermometer from
Akane's mouth holding it up. He closed an eye, letting
out a light hum.
"Is serious, Doc?" asked Ranma.
"No, it is nothing to worry much about," Doctor
Tofu answered him. "A mild fever that some rest will
take care off."
Ranma was relieved. He looked down at Akane,
finding her smiling up at him. Suddenly, she reached
from beneath the covers, taking his hand.
At the foot of the bed, Ukyo and Shampoo placed
angry frowns on their faces, annoyed by this show of
emotion.
"Akane not too sick to make pass at husband,"
snarled Shampoo.
"He's not your `husband', Shampoo," said Ukyo.
"You're right though. This must be some kind of
trick."
Tofu laughed. He closed up his bag and stood up.
"No, Akane's not pretending, girls," he said.
"So what does she have?" asked Mousse.
"I'm not sure. From what all of you have told me,
it's either a weak version of the flu, or . . . she's
pregnant."
"WHAT!" cried the group around him.
Dark glares formed, all eyes slowly drifting
towards Ranma. He swallowed the sudden lump in his
throat glancing around nervously.
"Hey, wait just one minute! I did nothing to
Akane. Nothing!"
Shampoo cracked her knuckles. "You sound like
American President. LIAR!"
"How could you, Ranma!" shouted Ukyo.
"No, no, you're wrong!" exclaimed Ranma. He
looked to Nabiki and Kasumi for help, but they both
stood immobile, to shocked to do anything. Mousse
snickered behind them, enjoying the situation. A
gentle squeeze of his hand brought Ranma back to Akane.
She did not seem to care about the accusation, smile
growing even wider.
"Doc!" he cried.
"Hold on, everyone," Tofu interceded. "I have not
run any test on her blood sample yet so don't jump to
conclusions. Besides, I believe Ranma."
That diffused the situation for the moment.
"Gee, Doc. Don't be telling them things like
that," Ranma said.
Tofu laughed. "Well, if it was true, then at
least I'd be close by to administer immediate first
aid."
"Doc!"
"Just kidding, Ranma."
Kasumi tapped Doctor Tofu lightly on the shoulder.
"Ono, stop teasing him."
Tofu's body began to shake at the tender touch of
Kasumi's hand. He quivered uncontrollably, medical bag
quaking in his grasp.
"U-u-u-h-h-h, y-y-ess, K-K-Kassuuummmiii," he
stammered.
Kasumi giggled, leading the good doctor out.
"I'll be back with some nice hot tea, Akane," she said.
Nabiki snickered as they disappeared. "You know,
we should try and find a way for Doc T to get over his
affliction with Kasumi," she said.
"Somebody needs to find away to cure this
affliction Akane has for Ranma," replied Ukyo.
"I get scimitar and chop off hands. That fix
problem," said Shampoo.
"Okay, ladies. Let's not get carried away here,"
Nabiki said. "Now why don't we all leave Akane alone
and let her get some rest."
"Good idea," agreed Ranma. He started to rise,
but Akane's grip tightened.
"No! Ranma are you going to leave me now?" Akane
said.
"Well you do need to get some--,"
"Stay."
The look Ranma and Akane gave each other brought
the steam back up to Shampoo and Ukyo ears.
"Okay, let's break that up now!" said Ukyo
snapping her fingers rapidly at them.
"Come on, Ukyo," said Nabiki. She grinned, gazing
at the two. "Can't you see how natural they are
together."
Shampoo reached out, smacking Ranma sharply on the
back of his head. "Ranma, stop leering at Akane like
baby seal," she said. "We go now!"
"No!" pleaded Akane again.
"Shampoo, if Akane wants him to stay, what's the
harm in that?" asked Mousse not minding the change in
the relationship.
Ukyo tensed. "Not a chance," she said slowly
rounding on him. "No way am I leaving those two alone.
From the looks of things, if Akane isn't pregnant now,
she will be by days end."
"Hey, I have some morals here too you know!" said
Ranma. Akane's hand squeezed his again. The loving
glow about her face made Ranma shudder, feelings he
longed to let be know slowly surging forth. Abruptly,
Ranma looked up casting them an innocent gaze.
A small form suddenly moved under the sheets,
climbing over Akane. P-chan's tiny head appeared from
under the sheets, and the piglet snarled up at Ranma.
"Stop it, P-chan," Akane scolded her pet with a
light smack on the snout.
"That it," said Shampoo, sitting down on the
floor. "I not moving from this spot."
"But Shampoo, we've still have deliveries to make,
and--,"
"Great Grandma understand," replied Shampoo as she
turned off her beeper.
"I'm not leaving either," said Ukyo pulling the
chair from Akane's desk.
"What about your restaurant?" asked Nabiki.
"It'll keep."
Nabiki realized that there was no talking to them.
She grabbed Mousse by a sleeve, pulling him towards the
door. "Come on, Mousse. What say I power up the SEGA
and break you down in a few rounds of Street Fighter
X?"
Mousse shrugged. "Why not. Everyone else seems
to have lost their minds today."
* * * * *
At the front gate to the Tendo Dojo, Kasumi bid
Doctor Tofu good-bye. She rose up on her toes and
planted a light kiss on his cheek. Tofu's eyes
fluttered. He staggered around, dancing a light jig
along the sidewalk heading back to his office. So
giddy was he completely ignored the small group of
people standing casually at the corner as he passed.
Finding directions to the dojo was not hard,
Inentimus Krin leading his team of pirates to their
objective. He stood holding up the calendar in his
hand looking for a match to the writing.
"Ah, there it is," he said spotting the Tendo name
plaque on the gate. Tossing the calendar over a
shoulder, Krin led them across the street to the
entrance. A skilled eye looked over the high wall.
"Hmm, this Tendo lives in a fortress," he said.
"Not much on defense," commented Qu'tok. "Where
are the guards, where are the electronic surveillance
units?"
"On this primitive planet?" said Teq. "Alid and
Koo could walk in with bells on and still succeed."
"Enough," ordered Krin. "Teq, Morea sweep the
left. Qu'tok, take Alid and Koo around the right.
Find a back entrance and secure entry."
The five pirates split up, scaling the walls with
little effort. Krin looked up at Glator. "How are
your wounds?" he asked.
Glator held up his bandaged hands, flexing his
fingers. "I can still feel soreness in them, but I am
functional," he answered.
Krin nodded. Giving Binimi a motion with a hand,
the woman slinked up to the gates. A gentle push had
them open and the trio went inside.
* * * * *
In the kitchen, Kasumi stood at the sink washing a
few dishes while waiting for the water on the stove to
heat up. Her mind drifted, daydreaming about Ono and a
life with him. Sadly, Kasumi sighed.
"A dream, just a dream," she said rinsing the
glass in her hand. She picked up a towel, turning to
lean back against the sink, thinking while she worked.
"Such chances, decisions I have to make. My
family, what will become of them if I leave?"
A slight rustle from outside brought her around.
A blur darted by to quick for her to identify. Kasumi
peered around, but saw nothing. "Probably a bird," she
said resuming her task.
Opening the upper cupboard, Kasumi returned the
glass to its spot, and when she looked back to get
another she yelped stepping back. Two men dressed
strangely in dark suits stood peering in through the
window, broad smiled on their faces. The back door
opened and a young man stuck his head inside. He
looked up at her and started, not expecting anyone to
be standing there.
Kasumi stammered, thinking this was some kind of
robbery. She backed away, but ran up against something
large and solid. Fearfully, she peered up staring
straight into the eyes of a hulking man with a dark
scowl on his face. Another yelp, Kasumi side stepping
to the left.
Two more men and women entered penning her in
against the wall. The eldest of them looked her over,
then turned to the woman next to him.
"Binimi?"
"No, that's not her," Binimi said.
Krin looked at Kasumi. "Tell me. Where might I
find--,"
A damp towel flew over Krin's head, Kasumi letting
out yet another yelp darting through the surrounding
people before they could react.
"Stop her!" commanded Krin.
Kasumi was almost to the door when a thick wad of
sticky material caught her feet. She teetered trying to
maintain her balance, then several strands of webbing
wound themselves around her upper body forcing her arms
to her sides. She began to cry out, but Alid quickly
stepped up.
"Be silent, human female," he said knitting a
thick strand of webbing across her mouth.
Helpless, Kasumi struggled in vain to break free,
moaning as she tried to call for help.
Krin jerked the towel from his head. He stalked
angrily, getting up into Kasumi's face.
"That-was-stupid," he snarled. Kasumi cringed,
whimpering in terror. "Now, where is Akane Tendo?"
questioned Krin.
Kasumi's eyes darted around at the people around
her, wondering what it was that they wanted with her
younger sister. From the looks of things it was not
going to be good. She shrugged.
"Not the answer I want," said Krin. Reaching up,
Krin took hold of her face and started to squeeze.
Kasumi let out a muffled moan of pain. "Again! Tell me
where--,"
"Kasumi!" called a voice from out in the hall.
The pirates tensed, then Krin motioned to them to
follow as he stepped out.
"Teq, bring her," ordered Qu'tok.
Teq grabbed Kasumi by the back of her dress, took
hold of her ankles and pulled her free of the goo
fixing her to the floor. She tried to call out a
warning, kicking and struggling in his grasp as they
went into the hall.
Ranma called for Kasumi again, sure he heard her
scream. With Akane finally asleep, he managed to steal
away and check on her. Before he could round the
corner of the hall, a stranger appeared stopping him in
his tracks. For a moment they stared at each other.
"Who the hell are you, and did Kasumi let you in?"
Ranma finally asked.
Qu'tok appeared next to Krin. The two traded
looks then Krin spoke.
"Where is Akane Tendo?"
The words seemed foreign to Ranma. He smirked
glancing down at the floor for a moment. "Okay, I must
be speaking in Mandarin," he said. "I'll ask again.
What are you two doing in here, and where is Kasumi?"
"Another funny human," said Qu'tok.
"I am tired of playing this game," Krin said.
"Where is Tendo!"
Teq appeared behind them, Kasumi still upheld in
his grip.
"MMRRRAMMMAAA!" she called in a muffled cry.
Ranma stepped back taking a defensive stance.
"Hey, what have you done to Kasumi?" he shouted.
"Nothing yet, human!" replied Krin. "Now take us
to Akane Tendo!"
Ranma called back over his shoulder. "Yo! Hey I
need your help down here!"
Footsteps sounded, Ukyo, Shampoo, Mousse, and
Nabiki trundling down the steps.
"What do you need Ra--. Hey, what are you doing
to Kasumi!" Ukyo cried drawing her battle spatula.
Krin called Binimi up. She looked over each
woman, then shook her head. "Nope, not any of them,"
she said.
"She must be up on the next level, Krin," said
Alid.
Krin glanced briefly up at the ceiling. "Get out
of our way, humans," he commanded them.
"Ranma, who is pushy man and why he here?" asked
Shampoo.
"I don't know, but after what he's done to Kasumi,
he's not getting out of here in one piece."
"What! You dare threaten me. A puny human like
you?" Krin let out a derisive snort. "Qu'tok, him you
may kill!"
"What about the others?"
"I do not care what you do with them."
"Can we eat them?" asked Koo.
"If it gets them out of my way, yes!"
Teq barked out a laugh. He pressed Kasumi face
first against the wall, and she remained stuck like a
stamp on an envelope.
Qu'tok looked back down the hall. "Glator," he
called.
Heavy steps sounded, a dark mass pressing its way
through the narrow confines of the hall towards Ranma.
"YEOW!" he cried retreating with the others to the
foyer as Glator approached. They all stood in shock as
Glator rose up as high as he could, glaring menacingly
at them.
"Oyiii! Look at size of pointy-headed man!"
exclaimed Shampoo.
"Ranma," said Nabiki. "I'm going back upstairs.
Uhm, take care of this will you?"
"Uh, yeah you do that, Nabiki," he replied.
Nabiki bolted up the steps.
Glator smacked a fist into his palm. "Glator kill
stupid humans!" he said.
"Well you know what they say about us humans,"
replied Ranma. "Very unpredictable."
Mousse came up beside him producing a pair of
fighting batons from his sleeves. "Yeah, and you know
what I like about big guys like you? It hurts worse
when you finally hit the ground."
Glator let out a growl, lunging towards them.
* * * * *
Nabiki ran into Akane's room panting heavily as
she closed the door shut behind her. The sound of the
fight below vibrated through the walls, spurring her
into action. On the bed, P-chan sat up wondering
curiously what was happening. Nabiki knelt shaking
Akane.
"Oh wake up little sister, please wake up," she
said frantically. Akane was dead to the world, and
Nabiki tried again much harder this time.
"Akane, please. This is no time to want to sleep
your life away. Especially when it might mean mine as
well!"
Akane finally stirred. She slowly opened her
eyes, rubbing the sleep from them. "Nabiki?" she said.
"Get up, Akane!"
Akane sat up. "Where, where's my Guardian?" she
asked searching for Ranma.
"Down stairs Guardianing!"
A loud crash sounded, Akane jerking around towards
the door. "What's happening, Nabiki. Where's Ranma?"
"Down stairs with the others engaged in a major
fight that you don't want any part of."
Ranma's cry sounded, followed by a loud thud that
shook the walls.
"Nabiki, why are they fighting? For that matter
who are they fighting?"
"I don't know, but apparently you are the reason
why,"
"Me?"
"Yes, now come on. We've got to get out of here!"
Akane sat suddenly trembling in fear.
Unconsciously, she placed a hand to her chest, rubbing
it as her breath grew shallow. Nabiki cracked the door
peering out to see if the coast was clear. Still no
sign of the intruders, she turned.
"Akane, let's go!"
"Where are we going?"
Nabiki ran to the window. "Out this way, down the
drain pipe and out through the back gate. It's the
fastest way out of here."
P-chan started squealing, nudging her to get
moving. Akane stood up, pausing to catch her balance
as a wave of dizziness briefly overtook her. Nabiki
came over placing an arm around her.
"Are you all right?" she asked.
"Yeah, just still not awake."
"Well wake up, sister. From the sounds of things,
our side is not doing very well."
Another cry sounded, Ukyo's maybe, a loud crump
echoing through the hall.
"No," said Akane. She started moving towards the
door. "I can't, I can't abandon Ranma and my friends
like this," she said.
"What, are you crazy!" cried Nabiki. She grabbed
hold of an arm tugging her back. "That's why their
down there fighting now. To give us a chance to
escape."
"No! If they're fighting for me, then I'm going
to help them!" shouted Akane, trying desperately to
reach the door handle. "I'm not a coward!"
Abruptly she stopped, expression dropping into a
lost stare.
"You must run!" she said in that strange tremolo
voice again. Nabiki let her go, gapping at her sister
in surprise. Akane placed her hands to her mouth not
believing she had just said that. They stared at each
other for a moment, then Akane turned.
"I'm going to help Ranma," she said darting out
the door.
* * * * *
Ranma pulled himself up from the floor of the
living room, shaking dust and bits of the wall from his
shoulders. Behind him, Mousse battled Glator,
repeatedly hitting him with his batons to no effect.
Glator virtually laughed, blocking a blow to deliver
his own that sent Mousse tumbling across the floor. He
sat up, clearing his eyes and held up one of the
batons; now a shattered splinter of wood.
"Ranma, I think we're going to regret this," said
Mousse.
Ranma yelled, rising up to charge Glator. He
leaped, spinning around to land with both feet on his
chest kicking rapidly. He was partially successful,
Glator staggering back slightly with a growl. Reaching
up, he caught Ranma by an ankle and swung him around
over his head. Ranma cried out as he sailed across the
room, bursting through the partition into the dinning
room. Crumpling into the table, Ranma let out a moan.
Slowly, he sat up peering at his opponent.
"I think we will, Mousse," he finally said rising
to his feet. Mousse stood up, and together they
attacked once more.
Outside in the foyer, Shampoo and Ukyo battled
Qu'tok, Alid and Koo, desperately attempting to keep
anyone from getting up the stairs. Ukyo stood parrying
blows from Qu'tok, his quick sharp jabs tinging loud
off the spatula blade. Behind them, Shampoo battled
Alid and Koo, juking and diving away from the strands
of webbing being shot at her. Alid leaped trying to
pounce on her back, but received a sharp kick to the
stomach smacking up against the wall. A wad of goo
barely streak by Shampoo's head and she rolled away.
Sharply, the Amazon turned and lashed out with a fist
connecting against the side of Koo's head. He let out
a chittering cry staggering back. Pressing her attack,
Shampoo launched a kick. A thread of webbing suddenly
wrapped around her ankle surprising Shampoo.
Immediately, she was jerked to the floor, Alid looping
another strand around her right arm. Tugging with all
her strength, Shampoo struggle to her knees glaring
angrily at him. Another strand caught her left arm,
and the woman quickly found herself trapped between the
two men.
"Ukyo!" cried Shampoo fighting to break free.
Ukyo heard her, backing away from Qu'tok.
Twirling her battle spatula over her head, she forced
him to draw back, then turned bringing the edge of the
blade down on the strands from Alid holding Shampoo.
They broke with a loud snap, Shampoo staggering back
against the wall. Alid was angry, not one to like any
of his food escape him. The handle of the spatula
caught him in the chin and he slumped to the floor.
"Alid!" cried Koo. Shampoo took the opportunity
to snap his strand back into his face. He jerked as it
wound tight around his throat, Shampoo puling him
towards her. A flurry of fist greeted him, and
another of the pirates collapsed to the floor.
The two women turned to face the remaining
opponents. Through the now shattered window to the
living room, Ranma and Mousse suddenly came screaming
out tumbling head first into the wall. Glator
appeared, setting his sights on the two women, and they
drew back.
Krin, watching the battle from behind, frowned as
combat recommenced. This was taking too long for him.
Such resistance from these humans was a surprise in
itself, but now they had to concentrate on finding this
Akane Tendo before M.I.B. relocated them. With
Glator's appearance, the area leading to the stairway
was clear.
"Teq, Binimi, Morea, go up and search the next
level," he ordered. The three quickly raced up the
steps.
Teq bounded out into the upper hall snarling as he
looked around the empty hallway. Voices echoed from
around the corner, growing louder as someone moved
towards him. A short human female appeared, dressed in
pink oversized apparel jerking a leg trying to shake
something free.
"P-chan, will you stop," grumbled Akane. P-chan
growled back, tugging with all of his might to pull her
back to her bed room.
"Akane, please listen to me," Nabiki could be
heard to say.
"No! Ranma needs me down there and--," She
stopped noticing the tall man staring at her from the
other end. Binimi's head appeared over the edge of the
floor.
"That's her, Teq. That's Akane Tendo," she said.
"Come here, human female," said Teq moving towards
her.
P-chan jumped out, squealing angrily determined to
defend Akane. The girl just stood there as if in a
trance, watching the three slowly close. A pair of
hands reached out from around the corner, snatching
Akane from her spot.
"Stop!" raged Teq. He dashed to the end ignoring
P-chan, catching a brief glimpse of Nabiki dragging
Akane through the door of her bedroom. P-chan squealed
loudly at him. He leaped ready to chomp on an ankle,
but Binimi caught him by the scruff of the neck.
"Mmm, lunch," she drooled holding the piglet high
above her open mouth.
Morea slapped P-chan away. "We don't have time
for that, Binimi!" she shouted reminding her of their
task.
She went to help Teq; Binimi pausing briefly to
glare at P-chan. "Sit tight, little one. I'll be back
in just a moment," she said running after her
compatriots. P-chan grumbled then darted down the
steps.
Inside Akane's room, the sisters managed to block
the door with Akane's bookshelf and dresser, propping
anything else loose they could find behind that.
"Akane, open the window!" cried Nabiki pressing up
against the vibrating furniture. A hand broke through
the back of the bookshelf, Nabiki letting out a scream
as it groped around for her.
Akane stood immobile, eyes locked on the door.
"What do they want from me?" she asked fearfully.
Nabiki strained, ducking her head around the
threatening arm. She finally took hold and sank her
teeth into the wrist, hearing a satisfying cry echo
through the air.
"Who cares what they want, just open the window!"
she cried.
The bookshelf cracked and Nabiki quickly retreated
behind Akane as Teq finally forced his way in. He
glared at the two, nursing the bite mark on his arm.
"Who bit me?" he scowled.
"That would be her," replied Nabiki, pointing to
her sister.
Akane's looked at Nabiki in disbelief. The sound
of Teq's growl brought her back around to see him
stalking towards them. Her features slackened, then a
loud piercing shriek filled the air. Nabiki let out a
gurgle, placing her fingers to her ears. Teq howled,
staggering back and crumpled to the ground writhing
about on the floor. Akane stopped and Nabiki stared at
her.
"What is happening to you?" she said.
Akane arched a brow. "I don't know, but it's time
to leave," she said running for the window.
Teq shook his head, looking up across the room.
The two women were scrambling for the window in an
attempt to escape. "Stop!" he shouted leaping to his
feet again. Nabiki turned. Franticly she pulled out
her keychain gripping the trigger of her mugging alarm
and pressed. It's warbled sound stopped Teq and he
doubled over holding his head in pain.
"Hey, stop that!" cried Morea. She pulled herself
clear of the mess at the door and rushed towards them.
"That will be quite enough!"
The woman pulled open her shirt.
"Nabiki, cover your eyes!" called Akane's tremolo
voice. She did and just in time as a bright flash
filled the room. Morea expected to see Nabiki and
Akane lying stunned on the floor. Instead, they stood
peering at her in wonder.
"Huh?" she said, just before a book thrown by
Akane hit Morea in the face sending her to the floor.
Nabiki jumped up on the desk joining Akane
climbing out the window.
"How did you know about that woman, Akane?" asked
Nabiki as she crawled out onto the roof.
"I don't know, and I don't care," replied Akane.
Binimi's entrance made them scramble for the
corner of the building.
"Come on, they're getting away!" said Binimi to
her fallen friends. "You can't tell me you let two
puny human females beat you like this?"
Morea sat up nursing her bruised chin. "Yep,
that's what we're saying," she said.
Teq scrambled to his feet in full rage going for
the window. Peering out, he spotted the two women at
the corner preparing to climb down.
"Now I have you!" he growled climbing out onto the
roof.
"He's coming Akane!" cried Nabiki waving her hands
at her sister to make her move faster.
Akane increased her pace; Nabiki shimmying down
the drainpipe moments before Teq could reach them. He
took a swipe at Nabiki's head barely missing. Reaching
the ground Akane looked up.
"Let go, Nabiki!" she cried. Nabiki was not
arguing at this point, letting go yelling in fear.
Akane caught her as best she could, but they still
ended up on the ground.
"You hurt?" Akane asked.
"No. You?"
Akane shook her head. A growl from above made
them look up to see Teq perched on the edge snarling
angrily down at them with teeth barred. He snapped his
jaws in anticipation then leaped.
Akane and Nabiki screamed scrambling to their
feet, watching in terror as Teq landed nimbly on the
ground. He rounded on them and they began backing
away.
"Akane, what do we do now?" whimpered Nabiki from
behind her sister.
The only thing Akane did was look fearfully at the
house.
"RANMA!" she cried.
* * * * *
Wind rushed past Ranma's head, Glator's heavy fist
streaking over into the floor as he ducked past. Once
again, he and Mousse were squared up against this
walking muscle, raining blows but barely fazing him.
Mousse took the opportunity to leap on Glator's back,
placing what he considered a tight chokehold around his
thick neck. A scowl formed, Glator peering down at the
arms around him, then with a sharp twitch Mousse
slammed up against the ceiling then fell to the floor.
Ranma was about to attack again, when he heard
someone call his name from outside.
"Akane?" he wondered, turning around. That was a
mistake, the next thing Ranma knew he was crashing
through the front door flopping to a stop in the middle
of the walkway. From around the left corner Akane and
Nabiki ran at full stride, Teq loping hot on their
heels chasing them around the trees.
"Ranma!" Akane cried again, and he staggered to
his feet.
"YO, guys. It's time to regroup!" called Ranma to
the others.
Ukyo and Mousse wasted no time darting out the
shattered entrance, Shampoo retreating close behind
them. The strands of webbing from Alid and Koo caught
her by the ankles again, Shampoo slamming painfully
down to the ground. She let out a strained grunt
struggling to get up, and an odd tug of war ensued.
Qu'tok, Glator, Morea, Binimi stalked out across
the grounds after the team ready to end this fight.
Krin stood watching them, mildly amused by what was
going on.
"Qu'tok, will this take any longer," he called.
"We'll have them dead in a moment, Krin," replied
Qu'tok.
Krin nodded, casually glancing over to Teq.
Apparently this was the Akane female he sought, pressed
up against the surrounding wall moments from capture.
His grin quickly melted away as Teq pounced only to
grasp nothing but air as Akane jinxed to one side. Her
fist flew with blinding speed, Teq's head resembling
the business end of a jackhammer at full speed before
he crumpled to the ground.
"Well it's about time you did that!" Nabiki
scolded her sister.
Teq shook his head and tried again.
WHAP!
POP, POP, POP, POP, POP!
KICK!
Face down on the ground, Teq moaned holding his
head as Akane took stance ready to deliver more.
Krin's brow's furrowed in annoyance. He told Binimi to
help Teq before anymore damage could be done.
"So, we meet again, human female," slurred Binimi
slinking towards Akane and Nabiki. A short flick of
her tounge made both of them cringe, retreating towards
the corner.
Meanwhile, Shampoo was quickly loosing her battle
with Alid and Koo. More strands looped around her arms
and body, the two men carefully reeling her towards
them.
"Now remember Alid," said Koo. "Play your prey.
Let them tire out before finishing the twining."
"Will you stop with your banter and help me subdue
this wild human," snapped Alid.
They increased their pull, the strands straining
tight. Suddenly, an umbrella sliced its way through
them with a loud sharp tick. Shampoo fell back along
with the two men, surprised by this turn of events.
Krin started, turning to see who threw it,
receiving a sharp kick to the chin that sent him
rolling across the grounds. Standing at the entrance,
Ryoga finished buttoning up his shirt, glaring angrily
down at Krin. Behind him Kasumi pulled the last bits
of webbing from her hair and shoulders, searching for
her sisters. All the combatants paused as Krin angrily
stood up.
"Okay, whoever you are," said Ryoga. "This
fight's over if you know what is good for you."
Krin's chest heaved. "You dare to hit me, human."
"Oh yes, and I plan to do much more of that too."
Ranma took advantage of the interruption to gather
the others in a protective line between Akane and her
attackers.
"Hey, Ryoga," he called. "'Bout time you showed
up."
"Sorry I'm late. Had to find my clothes. Looks
like you guys have had your hands full."
"Yeah, this one's pretty bad."
Krin's cry broke their conversation. "Glator,
kill this insignificant worm!" he shouted pointing at
Ryoga.
"Go call the police, Kasumi," Ryoga said preparing
to defend himself.
Glator threw a punch, cracking the concrete where
Ryoga had stood. Several rapid punches hit the giant
in the chest, then Ryoga leaped back staring up at him.
A short pause followed, Ryoga suddenly grimacing as he
shook his hands.
"What the hell are you made out of!" he shouted.
Ukyo shook her head. "You know what this means,"
she said to the others.
"Right," replied Ranma. "Nabiki, Akane head for
the gates. We'll cover you."
The four charged resuming the melee.
Nabiki and Akane ran, but before they got to the
front gates, the two doors burst open. Tatewaki and
Kodachi stepped inside.
"My Fair Akane!" called Tatewaki looking around
the grounds.
"Tatewaki!" cried Nabiki.
"Oh damn," said Kodachi with some disdain. "It's
the scheming witch Nabiki and her uncharming sister.
Alas, still alive."
"Stop your bitching and get in here and help
them!" shouted Nabiki, pointing to the fight.
Both Kuno's started slightly then ran to join in
the fray. Konatsu and Tsubasa appeared. It took no
prompting for them to spring into the fight. Akane
stood at the doors pausing to watch Ranma engage Krin
one on one. A hand touched her shoulder and she let
out a scream, spinning around with fist up.
"Akane," said T catching them effortlessly. He
looked up shocked by the battle going on, then Jay and
Elle arrived.
"Yo, T. (Huff, Huff) You guys got some running
children in Japan!" said Jay.
"Oh my God, Jay!" said Elle pointing to the fight.
"Whoa, this looks bad!"
Shampoo tumbled to a stop at their feet. She
shook off the pain, letting out an angry warcry
scrambling back into the battle.
"Like I said," commented Jay.
In the midst of the fight, Krin smacked Ranma
away, turning to attack the next nearest opponent. His
eyes caught the tell-tale suits of M.I.B., and he
snarled.
"Qu'tok, disengage. M.I.B.!" he shouted.
The mere mention of the name broke the pirates
from their present situation, retreating as fast as
they could for the side of the Tendo home. The gang
was about to pursue when Qu'tok and Krin produce
blasters.
"Everybody down!" shouted T drawing his weapon.
Krin fired, Jay and Elle diving for cover as T
traded shots with him. Ion burst scorched the trees,
punched large holes into the walls scattering debris
across the lawn. A loud crash sounded, Glator charging
though the back wall allowing the rest of the pirates
to escape. With Qu'tok covering his departure, Krin
glared angrily at the group of people cowering
protectively on the ground.
"This isn't over yet, you human scum!" he shouted,
disappearing out the breech. Qu'tok ran after him, and
an ominous quiet followed.
Slowly, everyone looked up lost for words.
"You guys alright?" Jay asked them.
Ranma turned over on his back, staring up at him
in disbelief.
"Alright? What the hell happened!" he said.
"Don't worry about it," answered Jay. "We're
going to take care of it, trust me."
"Trust you?" Ranma lay back down, not know who or
what to trust anymore.
At the front door, Kasumi appeared holding a
wireless phone in her hand.
"Ryoga, I've called . . . the . . . police?"
Her voice trailed away as she gazed around at the
surrounding carnage.
"My goodness," gasped Kasumi, placing a hand to
her cheek
* * * * *
Most of the gang sifted through the damaged
portions of the Tendo home, some of them still stunned,
the others amazed they were still alive. In the front
yard a heated debate was going on between the three
M.I.B. agents concerning what to do now that Krin has
escaped them once again.
"We can't leave these people alone," said Elle.
"Krin will come back that's for sure, and when he does
he's not going to take any chances."
"So what can we do?" replied Jay. "Post a guard
here? Remember there are only three of us right now."
"We can try to contact Zed and ask for more
reinforcements," suggested T.
"Krin will surely try again before they arrive,"
said Elle.
"Okay, okay, we need to gain some time. The
problem is where do we keep them?"
T rubbed his chin in thought for a moment.
"M.I.B. Tokyo can be used, although in it's current
condition not the safest place."
"Yo, T. You wanna take them back to M.I.B.?"
"Sure, why not?" said Elle. "They can see the
light later once things die down."
"Boy are you guys asking for trouble, and if the
Zedmeister finds out, all of us might just be seen the
light."
"Why not just Akane?" said T. The other two
pondered the idea.
Jay shook his head. "Still doesn't save the rest
of them," he said. "Krin and his boys might just come
back to even the score like Elle said."
"Damn. If we only knew what Akane knows that Krin
is after so badly," muttered Elle.
Elle suddenly arched a brow. She turned, looking
into the home then gazed back at T and Jay.
"Let's take them all," she said.
"We thought of that, Elle," Jay started to remind
her, but she held up a hand.
"Yeah, but let's put them to good use."
"You mean recruit them?" asked T.
"Why not. We are undermanned, out gunned, and
they did hold their own against Krin and his pirates."
"Barely, just barely," said Jay. He paused, then
chuckled a bit. "I like it," he said with a smile.
"So do I," added T.
"Give them the right tools, Akane Tendo is
protected and we get help tracking down Krin," finished
Elle.
"Sounds reasonable," said Jay.
"Only one problem," said T.
"What's that?"
"What if they do not go with the idea?"
"Naw, that ain't going to happen. Once that big
mouth Ranma finds out how much trouble his womans' in,
he'll be online before you can say `jump'."
Elle swatted Jay on the arm. "Lay off Ranma," she
said. "He's not a bad person."
"He's a punk, and how would you know?"
Elle just leveled a stern eye at him.
"Okay, but the first syllable of smack from him
and I'm going to put my foot up his ass."
T laughed. "You humor me, Jay. Let's go and
present our proposal to the new recruits."
* * * * *
Gathering everyone up, T stood before them in the
living room hoping they would understand the situation
and go along without any troubles.
"Ah, where to begin," he said thinking.
"Start with that creep, Krin," said Ranma.
"Yes. Inentimus Krin. He and his people are
pirates."
"Like in movies?" asked Shampoo.
"More on a grander scale, miss," he answered.
"Krin is wanted for a series of crimes, including
murder here on this planet."
"What do you mean `here on this planet'?" said
Ryoga.
"He's not from Earth."
An uncomfortable silence passed, the gang trading
skeptical looks between each other.
"Yeah," trailed Ranma.
"So what does this `Krin' want with Akane, and why
are the Yakuza so interested in her?" asked Tatewaki.
"Yo, T. I think you should tell them who we are
first," said Jay.
T agreed. "We are not Yakuza, Mister Kuno. We
are . . . a law enforcement agency of sorts."
"Insurance Reps my foot," said Tsubasa. "I wasn't
buying it for a second."
"Sorry about the deception. Anyway, we monitor
extraterrestrial activities here on Earth."
Another pause and exchange of doubting looks
followed. Nabiki let out a light snicker, hiding it
quickly behind her hand.
"And, so we are (snicker) just another bus stop in
the universe, is that it?" she said.
The mocking tone only irritated T. "No," he
replied firmly. "WE are a planet just like any other
planet in the galaxy. Earth happens to be one of the
more popular places to visit."
"Right," said Ranma. He turned around to the
others. "They're just as crazy as this Krin guy."
Jay stepped up next to T. "Now hold on one
minute!" he shouted. "I know you people aren't going
to tell me you've seen folks acting the way those
people were acting?"
"Well, we could say we've seen a lot of strange
things," replied Mousse.
"A lot of strange," added Shampoo nodding.
"In fact some of us here would fall into the
`strange' category," commented Ryoga.
Jay stared at them in disbelief. "Elle, I don't
think these kids believe in Aliens," he finally said.
"That's not true," said Konatsu. "We just have
doubts about your story that's all."
"It's not exactly a sound one," said Kodachi.
Akane suddenly stood up, turning to face them.
She chewed on her bottom lip nervously, then spoke. "I
believe them. There is something strange about Krin
and his followers."
"Yeah, like the one he kept calling `Bikini', or
`Bubbly', or something like that," said Ranma.
"I believe them too," added Kasumi casting her lot
with her sister.
Ukyo chimed in. "Got to pitch my vote with them,"
she said. "Just look at my spatula."
She held up the warped utensil, a disfigured
imprint of Glator's face in several spots of the blade.
Ranma turned back around. "Okay, so what does . .
. hey, you guys have a name. A true name?"
"Men In Black, but most of the time we just use
M.I.B.," answered Elle.
Ranma mouth the abbreviation around. "It flows,"
he said. "Now, what does M.I.B. want with A-kan-e?"
A sharp kick to the thigh had Ranma grimacing in
pain; Jay laughing at the sight. T waited until he
settled then continued.
"Krin will be back, and when he does he probably
will not wait to eliminate all of you to capture
Akane."
"Will Krin kill her?" asked Kodachi, receiving a
sharp slap for Tatewaki on the back of the head.
"I don't know. If Akane has told us everything
she already knows, then most likely yes."
"But I don't know what they want," said Akane.
She sat down closer to Ranma, hugging an arm tight.
This time Ranma did not object.
"Let Krin come," he said face set in
determination. "I'll pound him into grist."
"I don't think you, or anyone else here can
protect Akane right now," said Elle.
"Who says!"
"These bruises and lumps all over our bodies,"
answered Ryoga.
"He's right, Ranma," said Ukyo. "We were getting
our butts kicked until M.I.B. showed up."
Ranma had to face facts knowing very well that
today was a near run thing. He looked down at Akane
only to find her staring up at him fear in her eyes.
"Don't worry," he said patting her hands tenderly.
"I won't let Krin get you."
"I know. You're my Guardian," she replied.
"There she goes with that `Guardian' stuff again,"
said Ryoga. "Akane, what has come over you?"
T interrupted before the bickering could start.
"Please, please everyone," he said regaining their
attention. "Now I know this is sudden, but we have
come to the conclusion that the best way to protect
Akane, and bring in Krin is for all of you to join
M.I.B."
Silence. A very long silence that had all three
agents wondering nervously what the group might be
thinking. It was Ranma who responded first, the slow
blink of his eyes preceding his words.
"So you want us to become like you, is that it?"
he asked.
"In a small word, yes," answered T.
"Let us warn you about a few things though," said
Elle. "First, normally agents would have their total
past removed from them. Birthday, Government
Registration, Work Licenses--,"
"Even our financial status?" asked Tatewaki.
"Everything."
Kodachi sneered. "I don't know if I would like
that, big brother," she said.
"It is a dark thought," Tatewaki replied.
"But this situation is different," said Jay.
"Seen's you folks are involved and know too much
already, what we can do is finish this Krin thing out
to it's end. Once we've beat his butt into the dirt,
then you can make a choice to stay or go."
"And if we stay?" asked Nabiki.
"Like I said, you disappear from the face of the
Earth," replied Elle.
The gang paused, then turned huddling close
together in low conference for a minute.
"What if we say no?" Ukyo suddenly asked. "What
then?"
"Then you forget," said T, reaching into his
jacket. "With this." He pulled out his Nuralizer
holding it up for them all to see.
"Just like that, huh?" said Mousse.
"Its that simple."
More conferencing followed, then they faced the
agents again.
"I don't know," Ukyo said, uncertainty in her
voice. "I've worked too hard getting Uuchans where it
is now to just quit."
"You're really asking a lot from us," Kasumi
added.
"Yeah, but what other choice do we have?" Ryoga
said to them.
"Shampoo not want to quit job, or forget Amazon
Tribe in China."
Tsubasa shrugged. "Well our jobs are gone anyway,
now that Uuchans is to--,"
Konatsu clasped a hand across Tsubasa's mouth
hoping he cut him off before Ukyo could hear. It was
to late; Ukyo Kuonji slowly turning around towards
them.
"What-about-my-restaurant is to, Tsubasa?" she
said voice strained.
"Um, you see Ukyo," began Konatsu. He looked
perplexed, something not normal for the man. Nothing
more needed to be said, Ukyo taking a few steps back
towards the exit.
"No," she moaned.
"Hold on, Ukyo. There's nothing more you can do
now," said Elle, but Ukyo was not listening. She spun
and dashed out the room.
"Ukyo, wait!" cried Tsubasa running after her.
The rest of the gang got up, rushing after them.
"Yo, man!" cried Jay. "Where y'all goin?"
"After Ukyo," replied Ranma. "If Krin is still
around, she might end up in his hands, or did you not
think about that?"
"Say what!" Jay shouted, but Ranma had disappeared
out the door.
"He's right," said Elle. "We'd better go after
her."
"Man! More of this running stuff. T, what do you
people feed your kids over here?"
"Good food," replied T with a smile.
* * * * *
BWWAAAAA!
Jay grimaced, shirking back slightly as Ukyo knelt
on her hands and knees, crying unceasingly in the
center of Uuchans's shattered dinning room.
Occasionally, she'd reach out whimpering as she picked
up a broken chair or cracked bowl then let out another
long wail.
The rest of the gang wandered about, and with the
exception of the Kuno siblings, Tsubasa and Konatsu,
astonishment well written on their faces.
"Boy, did Krin and his pirates do a number on this
place," commented Ryoga.
Shampoo and Mousse examined what was left of the
wall facing the side street, noting the burned edges
marking the exit holes.
"What did this guy use here?" said Mousse to T
standing next to him.
"A pair of Photon Hand-Cannons," T replied. "Very
nasty pieces of weaponry."
"You can say that again. There's no way this can
be replaced without tearing down the entire building."
"You think that bad, look at holes in street,"
Shampoo said gesturing outside.
Another of Ukyo's wails brought them back into the
restaurant. Kasumi knelt next to the distraught woman,
hugging her tight as she cried. Ranma gazed down at
them, angered by what had happened to one of his best
friends.
"I guess this is all my fault," said Konatsu. "If
we had just told them what they wanted to know, if I
had not kicked that woman into the office, Ucchan's
would still be intact."
"No one's at fault here," replied Jay. "My guess
is Krin would have killed all of you to keep us from
finding out he was here or where he was going."
"Holding out was the best option," added Elle.
"And speaking of that woman, Konats m'man. Gimme
some dap on that kick you made. That was something
else."
Konatsu looked lost. "Dap?" he questioned.
"Yeah, you know. Dap."
"No, I do not know."
Jay held up a fist telling Konatsu to do the same.
He brought his fist down on top of Konatsu's. "Now
you," he said.
Konastu hit Jay's fist. Rapping his knuckles on
Konatsu's, Jay grinned. "Gonna make a brother out you
yet," he finished, chuckling lightly.
"A `Brother'?" said Konatsu. Jay rolled his eyes
up towards the ceiling.
"Hey, Jay," Ranma called. "All the playing aside.
You can count me in for M.I.B.."
"Me too," Akane chimed in standing up next to him.
Elle nodded. "Okay. So what about the rest of
you?"
"I'll go along with this for now," said Ryoga.
"Somebody's got to protect Akane."
"Hey, hey, you better be watching your own butt
when Krin catches up with us again," snapped Ranma.
"Oh Saotome, you have such grand delusions," said
Tatewaki. "I, Tatewaki Kuno will honor this M.I.B. and
defend the fair Akane to my dying breath."
"Does he always talk like that?" Elle whispered to
Shampoo.
The Amazon nodded. "Unfortunate, no?"
"I suppose this means the rest of you will assist
us?" asked T.
Hesitant looks followed between the others before
a unanimous agreement was reached.
"Oh you can bet I'm in," growled Ukyo. "This In-
Your-Mouth Krin is dead. You hear me? Dead. Dead,
dead, dead, dead, DEAD!" she raged slamming her fist
repeatedly into the floor.
Jay laughed. "You hear her, Elle. In-Your-Mouth
Krin. Heh, Heh, Heh, Heh, Heh. I like it!"
"I don't think Krin is going to share your
sentiments."
"Let's hope not." Jay turned to T. "What now?"
"Back to M.I.B. Tokyo," answered T. "First we get
our new members properly attired, then we hunt down
Krin and settle this thing once and for all."
