Ranma � is the property and invention of Rumiko Takahashi. The
following story is not produced for any monetary or personal gain.  
	
	Keep in mind the journey is almost always more interesting than the
destination.
	
Journey 
	
Part Two: Stepping Out
	
	Chapter 1
	
	Ranma gave a shriek as Ryouga leveled the gun towards his head and
pulled the trigger.  Ranma went into a dodging frenzy, narrowly
avoiding the missiles speeding towards him.
	"Ranma, stop dodging and take your medicine like a man!" Ryouga
taunted the frantically dodging pigtailed boy.
	Ranma for his part leaped towards the gun waving martial artist.  A
kick sent the gun out of Ryouga's hands, and a follow-up Chestnut
Fist sent the lost boy flying back in pile of debris where a boulder
had sat seconds before.
	"What are you trying to do, pig-boy?  Kill me?" Ranma roared
furiously.
	"Stop whining!  You wanted help training, fine!  Now stop whining
every time we start training." Ryouga's irritated voice wafted up
from the pile of rubble.  A moment later the dusty, but otherwise
unharmed boy shrugged off the masonry lying on him.
	"I said fire the gun near me!  Not at me!  What part of training
didn't you understand you moron!  The whole exercise is pointless if
you end up killing me!" Ranma continued ranting, still unnerved by
his unexpected brush with death.
	"At, near...what's the difference.  You're still going to have to
get in the way of the bullets to practice that technique of yours"
	"Stop bein' thick.  That's what I got these for," he stated, holding
up his gloved hands.  "The whole reason I couldn't practice this
before I brought back the gloves is that the first time I screwed up
I'd get my hands blown off."  He continued with grossly exaggerated
patience, as if talking to a child, "Now Ryouga notice the gloves on
my hands.  Observe carefully how I have nothing over my head.  I
repeat...Are you thick or something?!" he ended, again breaking into
a shout.
	"Hey it was an honest mistake," Ryouga said, giving a weak smile. 
"You should have said something earlier."  Ranma turned a deeper
shade of red and began mouthing dire imprecations under his breath.
	Ranma, finally regaining control of his temper stated calmly, "Okay.
 Let's try this again.  Pick up the gun.  Point the gun over here,"
pointing to a target two feet to the right of him.  Do Not Point The
Gun At Me." 
	"Fine.  No need to make such a big deal out it.  Er... I seem to be
out of bullets.  Do you have any extra?"  Sighing Ranma pulled a few
packs of ammunition out of subspace and showed Ryouga the loading
process.  
	"Where did you get this anyway?  I thought guns were illegal in
Japan.  Um...we are in Japan, right?" The lost boy asked nervously,
while looking around as if he was expecting foreign officials to pop
at of the bushes and ask what they were doing smuggling illegal
weaponry.
	"Nah.  We're still in Japan all right.  Some American military guy
owed Nabiki big time.  He loaned her the gun and told her about this
place.  A nice deserted place to fire off a couple of rounds.  Heh,
heh, he also said that if anything goes wrong he's going to report
the gun stolen.  Alright, it's loaded.  Remember, not at me."
	"Geez!  Make a little mistake and you never hear the end of it,"
Ranma gave him an incredulous stare.  Oblivious to the irony Ryouga
pointed the gun at the indicated area and fired the entire clip in
rapid succession.
	Ranma's hands blurred as he attempted to push his chi senses and
Chestnut Fist in ways they had never been used before.  At the end of
the burst he triumphantly held six of the clip's total capacity.  The
victorious facade was quickly replaced by one of puzzlement then of
agony.  
	Ranma knelt down clutching his hands, groaning at the intense pain
radiating from them.  Ryouga finally realizing something wasn't
right, rushed over and helped Ranma remove the indestructible gloves
from his hands.  Both boys hissed in surprise at the lurid bruises
covering his hands.
	"Wow, that looks really painful.  Can you tell how bad it is?"
Ryouga asked, wincing in involuntary sympathy as he saw his rival's
hands visibly swelling before his eyes.
	For his own part, Ranma was already using his senses to evaluate the
damage.  He was relieved to find that no bones were broken, no
muscles, or ligaments torn...just massive bruising.
	"No, just bruises.  I should be fine by tomorrow.  Sooner if Dr.
Tofu's available."  He hissed in pain and started to stagger off
towards town.  "Good thing I had the gloves on, or I wouldn't even
have hands to worry about.  I guess I need to focus more chi into my
hands.  Hmm, this could be adapted into an 'Iron Hand' variant,"
Ranma mused, successfully blocking out the pain sufficiently to plan
future martial arts pursuits.  
	Ryouga just shook his head in disgust and followed the slightly
weaving pigtailed boy back to Nerima.
	
	
	
	"So how do you like being back?" Jess asked as Ranma demonstrated a
new kata.
	"It just as hectic as I remember it bein," Ranma replied with a
disgusted sigh.  "Probably worse."
	"You are such a whiner, Ranma.  You have everything you asked for
and you still complain," Akane said scathingly from the other side of
the Dojo.
	"Well it's not like Shampoo's stopped chasing me.  Heck, if anything
she's after me even more."  Ranma rambled on oblivious to the anger
building up in his fianc�e.  "What really freaks me out is Cologne. 
Now that she's younger I swear she's eyeing me up.  It's weird.  I
think it makes Shampoo nervous too.  I mean I can't really blame
them, me bein' manly an all, but it's getting a bit much."  
	Akane had begun to glow a hazy red as her battle aura sprang into
existence around her.  Ranma rattled on totally engrossed in
detailing his problems.  Jess was a little bit more aware, and slowly
backed away from her teachers.  She was getting much better at the
art, but being between two highly skilled individuals during what
would probably be a brutal clash was not on her day's agenda.
	"I mean how many girls does that make so far?  There's Cindra, gee,
I don't know how she found her way here.  At least she stays away
when I'm training.  I think she doesn't like the sweat.  Now there's
Cologne too.  Well, maybe.  And of course Shampoo and Ukyo.  And,
ugh, Kodachi." He gave a martyred sigh.  "I guess I'm just too macho
for my own good.  I wish I knew how to turn whatever it was off. 
Then I wouldn't have Amazons, cooks and Tomboys chasing after me."
	"Die Ranma!"  Akane screamed while bringing her shiny new weapon in
a long arc, ending under Ranma's chin.  It was with great
satisfaction she witnessed Ranma flying through the roof and, at
least temporarily out of her life.
	Jess looked at the hole in dismay.  She had no doubt that Ranma
would be fine when he landed.  The first few times she had witnessed
this event had sent her into a panicked frenzy.  Now she just sighed
in disappointment that the lesson was over.  
	Ranma was like a totally different person around his friends.  When
she had first met him he seemed to have a quiet strength.  A dignity
demonstrated in the subdued way he lived his life and the ferocity he
pursued the martial arts.  Now she realized that he was just a
stranger in a strange land.  He had kept his guard constantly up,
giving the illusion of maturity.  Seeing him among his friends,
relaxed enough to babble his macho nonsense was a serious shock. 
Many of her illusions had been shattered.  Her wise Sensei was just a
ridiculously talented boy.  A very nice boy, if you ignored the
constant effort to show his 'manliness', but far from an icon of
maturity.
	
	
	Ranma landed in a fountain near the center of Nerima.  He remembered
it well from past experiences.  It was the pain that was new.  He
must have been suffering from a serious head injury when he gave
Akane an enchanted hammer.  Now her blows actually hurt.  Badly.  He
had done such a good job of training his reflexes to ignore Akane's
attacks he was now having problems retraining them.  It just
demonstrated to him the folly of purposely blunting your own battle
skills.  The only good thing he saw coming from this situation was
maybe a small increase in his durability that might improve what the
Breaking Point had already accomplished for him.
	Looking around he noticed that there was only one person in the
area.  This person had the misfortune to be close enough to the
impact area to be completely drenched.  Ranma snickered as it
registered who it was.
	"How's it going Ryouga.  You look kinda damp."   Even though the two
martial artists now wore devices to prevent the change, they still
seemed to act as magnets for accidents and spills.  If it was
remotely likely that they could get wet, they did.
	"Very funny Ranma.  This is the third time this week you managed to
soak me!  Prepare to die!."
	Ranma held up his hands, "Now hold on P-Chan!  Remember your
promise."
	Ryouga froze in mid swing.  "All right Ranma.  But I'm saving up all
these insults of yours and you're due for a serious pounding at our
next meeting.  I've been training and I'll make you regret the Hell
you've put me through."
	Ranma just smiled.  Now that they only fought at the scheduled site,
he found he was actually almost looking forward to Ryouga's presence.
 He was still much better than Ryouga, but the matches gave him a
chance to test his new skills on a respectable opponent.  Ryouga even
managed to surprise him occasionally.  He had shown significant
improvement while fighting the last few matches, apparently he gained
by fighting Ranma almost as much as Ranma himself did.  It was very
satisfying.
	"I noticed you're around a lot more.  Did whatever Anhur did to your
sense of direction help?"
	"I guess so," Ryouga said, still somewhat embarrassed over his lack
of navigational skills.  "It only takes me a couple of hours to find
my way home now.  I've probably spent more time at home than almost
any other Hibiki in recorded history.  It's just as well.  I hadn't
realized how dangerous wandering around could be.  Did you know they
have incredibly powerful martial artists in New York?  They're very
temperamental too.  I asked for directions and this guy just
clobbered me.  He had very impressive chi blasts.  Everything you've
heard about that place it probably true.  I'll bet that guy was a cab
driver.  I've heard about New York cab drivers."
	"New York?  I didn't know they had martial artists.  I didn't see
any when I was there.  Then again I was only there for a few
minutes."
	"Ha!  You were lucky.  I'm going to have to do some serious training
before I go back there.  I figure when I finish kicking your butt
I'll be ready to go back."
	"Wow, do you think that guy's still going to be there when Hell
freezes over?"
	"I'm sure he will...hey!!  I'll just add that to the list of bruises
I owe you!"  Ryouga paused and seemed to cool down after a moment. 
"Happossai's been looking for you."
	Ranma froze like a deer caught in the headlights.  "Happossai?"
	"Yeah.  He kept going on about some new techniques he had to teach
you.  He sounded pretty eager to find you.  Almost desperate." 
Ryouga scratched his in confusion.  "It sure is weird to have
Happossai and Cologne walking around without looking like they
escaped from a B rated horror flick."
	"Living Dead XXV, eh?"  The two boys laughed together in a friendly
manner.
	"Ranma my boy!  I've finally found you!  I was about to go to the
Tendo's again.  It seems harder top find you now than when you where
in that other dimension."
	Ranma's eyes went round as he whirled around in the direction of the
voice.  His worst fears were confirmed when he saw a short middle
aged man behind him wearing some sort of mask, with a sack of
clothing over his shoulders.
	"It's time for some training, my boy!  I've only taught you half my
tricks.  It's time you learned the rest."
	"Um...I can't right now.  I need to...er...train with Cologne. 
Yeah, that's it.  She is such a slave driver.  Training round the
clock.  Exhausting."
	"That's odd.  I just talked to her.  She said she sent you home
after this morning's session.  If I didn't know better I'd swear you
were trying to avoid our lessons."
	Ryouga just looked on in puzzlement.  Something wasn't quite right
here.  Ranma had a lot of faults but avoiding or slacking off in
training wasn't one of them.  Even to the lost boy it was obvious
that Ranma was attempting to escape Happossai's training.  How bad
could it be?
	"Cmon Ranma, I've barely taught you half I know.  Why there's still
the Mega-glomp, the Skirt Twirler, the Panty Fling, and the Dreaded
Lust Drain.  Just think, with all that you could be the TRUE heir to
the Anything Goes School."  The only expression on Ranma's face was a
sickly grimace.
	"I don't feel too good.  I think I better go Dr. Tofu," the
pigtailed boy slowly backed away, then broke into a full speed
sprint.  He might even have been heading towards the clinic.
	
	
	
	Far above Nerima a several distant figures flew in lazy circles
above the town.  Even the most keen eyed observer may have mistaken
them for birds.  
	
	
	
	Ranma ran into the Neko-Hantan as if the very hordes of Hades were
at his heels.  He certainly felt as if they were.  He immediately ran
up to Shampoo, who was facing away from him, serving several
customers their food.
	"Shampoo!  I need to talk to Cologne!  It's an emergency!"  Ranma
exclaimed to Shampoo's back.
	"Shampoo is out on deliveries right now, future son-in-law.  What
can I do for you?"  The figure turned around revealing it to be the
ex-crone Cologne.  She looked amazingly like a more mature version of
Shampoo.  She was middle aged, yet still an attractive woman.  It was
very unnerving, sending shivers down Ranma's spine when he was
unexpectedly brought face to face with the woman.
	"Gah!  Don't do that!"
	"Do what?" she eyed him knowingly.
	"Um�never mind.  I need your help."
	"What can I do for my future son-in-law?"
	"It's Happossai.  He's driving me nuts!"
	"Isn't he living up to his part of the bargain?" Cologne asked with
a slight frown.
	"No.  It's not that.  It's just...he keeps tryin to teach me all
these perverted martial arts techniques and it's driving me crazy.  I
ain't no pervert!" 
	Cologne stayed silent for a moment.  A grim look crossed her face. 
"I'm afraid you've placed yourself and Happy in a difficult
position."
	"What?  I didn't do nothin!" Ranma vehemently denied.
	"Oh, but you did.  The magic in the book compels him to teach all he
knows of martial arts to you.  Unfortunately, for Happy martial arts
includes some very perverted maneuvers.  He must be getting very
desperate if you refuse his teaching.  The geas doesn't take into
account your reluctance and will be driving him even harder."
	"But...but...I...it's.  I'm no pervert!" he desperately exclaimed.
	"You have a responsibility, Ranma.  It is your magic forcing him to
try to teach you.  If you continue to resist the compulsion will
become painful.  I know you hold nothing but contempt for the Master
of your school, but surely you aren't that cruel."
	Ranma stayed silent for a moment, obviously impacted by her words,
"I don't hate the little pervert, but...I don't want to be like him
either."  He stood thinking, conflicting emotions running through his
mind.
	"Well, you may be able to come up with a training method that keeps
it as clinical as possible.  That may at least avoid the screaming
women." Cologne helpfully suggested.
	"Yeah!  That just might work!  I don't know if he'll go for it
though." Ranma added doubtfully.
	"At this moment I think Happy might do almost anything to rid
himself of the compulsion.  While this gives you quite a bit of
leverage it also makes him very unpredictable.  I would be wary..." 
At this point she was interrupted by the subject of their
conversation.
	"Ranma!  I thought I might find you here.  Hello
Shampoo...er...Cologne.  You're looking very nice today.  How about
we do something romantic tonight?"
	A faint nostalgic smile appeared fleetingly on Cologne.  "I'm afraid
those days are long past, Happy.  However, if you stop by later and
promise to behave yourself, I might be free for a bit of tea.  Ranma,
do you have anything to say to Happy?"
	"Er...sure.  I guess I'm ready for my training.  Oh, one thing.  The
only time I have available is tonight.  I need to run an
errand...um...a few miles south of Nerima.  Yeah, that's it.  And�and
I'll bring the things I need to train too.  Don't worry about a
thing."  Ranma looked at his bare wrist and exclaimed, "Boy, look at
the time.  Gotta go.  I need to get ready for tonight.  See you
later!"  With that farewell he ran out of the restaurant.  Off in the
distance faint cries could be heard.  "Ranma take Shampoo on date?" 
"Take your hands off my Shampoo!"  "Ranma how dare you betray Akane
this way!"   "Leave Ranma alone, peasant!  Let a real princess soothe
your wounds, my love."
	Left in the relative peace of the restaurant, Happossai turned to
look at the woman he had pursued several centuries earlier.  A long
moment passed, each with carefully masking their emotions.  
	"Thank you, Col-chan."
	"It's all right, Happy."
	
	
	
	Chapter 2
	
	"I'm not sure this is going to work," Happossai said doubtfully,
looking at the store dummies lined up in the field.  Some wore
dresses, some lingerie, others were covered in skimpy school
uniforms.
	"Of course they'll do," Ranma stated impatiently.  He had been busy
all afternoon preparing this area.  He didn't even want to think what
he owed Nabiki.  "All you need to show me is the technique.  You know
that once I see how it's done and the training method I can learn any
technique," Ranma confidently stated.
	Happossai still looked doubtful, but he knew Ranma was probably
right.  He'd never seen anyone able to pick apart, analyze, duplicate
or counter techniques as easily as Ranma did.  Still, it just seemed
wrong to demonstrate the Mega Glomp on a plastic figure.  Of course
the Dreaded Lust Drain could be easily demonstrated on the lingerie. 
Heck, before he had his youth renewed he was able to renew his energy
simply by draining the lingering chi from recently worn panties and
other women's accessories.  He only did it for sport nowadays.  He
had to keep his heir on his toes.
	"Alright, my boy.  First let me demonstrate the Dreaded Lust Drain."
 Bounding over to the lingerie clad manikin he grasped the neglig�e
in both tiny hands and pulled.  Ranma's eyes bulged as the clothing
came away in one piece.  "Step one, gain access to your target.  In
this case this sweet little neglig�e.  Step two, now pay attention
boy.  I'll do this very slowly so you can clearly sense what I'm
doing.  Extend you chi to enfold this little silky darling.  Next use
your chi to grasp the lingering traces of chi in the clothing.  Now
observe how I take control of those energies and absorb them into my
own aura."  Happossai was dimly glowing by the end of the
demonstration.  "When your own reserves are low other people usually
have small amounts of chi they're not using.  You don't get much from
each person, unless you're willing to drain your target to
uncomfortable limits."
	"This can be used on people as well as objects?" Ranma asked
dubiously.
	"Well, you have to be more careful and other martial artists who
have any decent control over their chi can resist.  I never got much
when I tried it on you, but sure was fun to try."
	"Is this related to that thing you gave Hinako?" Ranma asked
suspiciously, unconsciously crossing his arms over his chest.
	Happossai became very serious, "No.  Hinako was very ill as a child.
 I truly believe she would have died if I hadn't down what I did. 
Still, what I did to her wasn't a good thing."  He fell silent for a
moment before continuing, "She was an incredibly sickly child.  In
the time I knew her she almost died several times.  What I did was to
rearrange the flow of chi in her body to flow more efficiently.  The
technique also allowed her to draw off the excess battle aura, a side
product of active chi.  While it saved her live I'm afraid I've
condemned her to a life of extremes."  A thoughtful look came over
his face, "She really is a hot babe in her adult form."
	Ranma gave a sigh of disgust.  Just when he gained a small glimmer
of respect for the old pervert, he went and said something like that.
 "Is there anything we can do to help her?"
	"Hmm...I'm not sure.  You know the counter.  If you continued to
apply it to it's conclusion, it might cure her completely and restore
her adult form," Ranma face lit up.  "Then again it might trap her as
a little girl, or trap her as a little girl with the same fatal
illness as before, or trap her as a healthy little girl until she
grew up normally, or..."
	"Alright!  Alright!  Geez!  If you don't know just say so!  I always
wondered why you never did anything, even when she constantly drained
you."
	"She is my responsibility.  Until I know for certain the results, it
wouldn't do to experiment."  A thoughtful look crossed his face,
"Besides it wouldn't do to have such a fine figure of a woman trapped
as a little girl.  Ooops.  Did I say that out loud?"
	"Why you selfish pervert!  I outta..."
	"Getting on with the lesson.  I'll let you practice the Dreaded Lust
Drain on your own.  Do you know how I grabbed the nighty?"
	"I assume you used a variation of that Dimensional Cloaking thing
you showed me last week."
	"Ha! Wrong!  I used the Dimensional Cloak...I mean, right...right,
that's what I did.  Good boy,"  Happossai grunted, suddenly in a
surly mood.  It just wasn't as much fun teaching Ranma when he
couldn't show off his superior skills.  Now Genma and Soun were a
pleasure to teach.  He could use all his skills out in plain sight
and have those two cowering in awe in front of him.  They never
learned anything, but that wasn't the point.
	"Alright boy, playtime's over let's get done to some serious
training.  Next is the Mega Glomp..." Happossai continued the lesson.
 Since Ranma had ruined his fun he was determined to drive his
student as hard at possible.  He might have to teach the snot nosed
kid, but he was going to pay a high price in sweat.  No way was old
Happy going easy on this youngster.
	Unfortunately for Happossai's happiness that's exactly how Ranma
liked his training.
	
	
	
	Thoth turned his attention to events occurring around one of his
followers.  One of the standard divine abilities was the capacity for
a deity to see and hear events taking place through the senses of
those who worshipped him.  Since most gods of any significant power
had millions of followers it was an ability used with care even for
those gifted with the incredible expanded consciousness that
accompanied godhood.  At the moment he was concentrating a
significant amount of his attention on the events surrounded one of
his more unfortunate followers who was presently located in Japan, an
infinite number of dimensions away on Rifts Earth.
	The barely conscious man was securely fastened to what appeared to
be a reinforced medical chair.  An IV sprang from his arm, and
multitudes of advanced sensors were attached to various parts of his
body.  Five guards stood around the edge of the chamber clad in what
at first glance appeared to be tradition samurai armor.  A more
discerning eye may have noted something odd about the armor's joints
and face mask.  Closer inspection would lead to the discovery that
the armor appeared to be sealed, leading to questions as to whether
the figures were humans wearing advanced armor, or simply robotic
monstrosities.
	"The prisoner claims to come from some city of magicians located on
the Northern American Continent, my Lord. I had my doubts, but the
truth drugs and the monitors seem to confirm it, we also had a mage
cast several truth spells," a human shaped figure garbed in black
reported.  The clothing vaguely resembled those of a ninja, the man's
voice held a slight artificial tone and the man's stance was far too
still to belong to a normal man
	The other man was dressed in an elegant black robe, his hair was
arranged in an ancient style and at his side was a sword that
radiated menace for those with the senses to feel such things.  He
was keeping a careful distance between himself and the prisoner.  It
wouldn't do to have to change his clothes so early in the day.  "We
must assume we can trust our spells and devices.  We've used them for
decades and our ally, H-Brand assures us that their new machines will
work on any human.  Even a worker of magics.  If this city, Lazlo,
should start to sent diplomats to the Republic of Japan, the New
Empire, Ichto, or even that pathetic third rate power Takamatsu it
could upset our plans to destabilize our 'friends'.  Too much depends
on the situation as it is.  Another variable is unwelcome.  Verify
what we've learned and eliminate the prisoner."
	"And if others come?"
	"Now that we know where to look for them, set guards on the
coordinates our friend arrived at.  Our Atlantean allies tell us that
it is the only place known to the ones from Lazlo well enough to
reliably travel to.  As long as our plan continues uninterrupted our
agents will be able throw our enemies into confusion and we should be
able to easily destroy them with a little help from our other allies
in the Zone."
	"I doubt that the Oni will sit idly by while we consolidate our hold
over the conquered territory, despite what pacts we've made."
	"You bring up a good point.  However, we have made arrangements
through our Atlantean connections.  They say that they are summoning
a great power, when this is under their control they will be able to
expand their power base.  We will be their spearhead."
	"Will we delay our plans until they have achieved their goal?"
	"That won't be necessary.  Even without this 'invincible' power our
allies speak of, they have very impressive means of supporting our
forces.  They will be adequate for Japan and to keep our Oni
companions in line."
	"That is fortunate.  Our agent's are in place.  It would be
difficult to delay our plans too long.  The Republic may prove
slightly resistant especially if they have warning, but I think the
New Empire, and Takamatsu will fall with relative ease."
	"You give the Republic too much credit.  H-Brand's technology is
every bit their equal.  Combined with magical aid of our allies their
resistance will prove futile.  As for the other three�well I agree
with your assessment.  The New Empire is clueless when confronted
with technology. Just as Ichto has no idea of the possibilities in
magic, besides, I believe they will stay neutral in future conflict. 
They are far too arrogant to fear us, and their attitude has
alienated most of their neighbors."
	"Is there anything else I can do for you?"
	"If the prisoner gives any new information, tell me.  Otherwise I
shall assume I won't hear anything more in regards the foreigner.  I
will report what you have found to the Shogun."
	"As you wish, my Lord."
	As the black robed man left the room, Thoth exerted a small measure
of his power.  Regardless of the toys and spells the black garbed
ninja used, his follower would never wake among the living again.  It
was the least he could do in return for the information he had
acquired.  Unfortunately it was also the best he could do, without
possibly drawing the notice of his prey.
	He would have to follow this thread carefully.  Thoth doubted that
Splynncryth was involved.  Splynncryth may be the Alien Intelligence
presently in command of Atlantis, but though young by Splugorth
standards but he knew enough not to fool around with the Old Ones. 
However, Atlantis was large and the home of too many greater
creatures, it would be difficult to untangle this web if it led to
that nest of intrigue and power.
	
	
	
	In the darkness of an enormous room sulked a beautiful blonde Deevil
Lord.  Her ego was still stinging from the blows that a lowly human
had delivered to it.  Mephisto himself had berated her for hours
after the debacle in Rhada's Keep.  She was also sure that her fellow
Deevil Lords mocked her.
	There wasn't really anything the Lords of Dyval could actually do. 
Ammit made his home on the Ma'ip plane on the dark side of the river
Nu'Ak with the rest of the Pantheon of Taut, the land called
Neter-Khertet.  On the other side of the river was the land of
Sekhet-Aanru where the Pantheon of Ra lay.  To even think of invading
this realm or attempting retribution was the far side of folly. 
Dyval was already in conflict with the realm of Hades, if anything
the presence of Rhada in Hades enhanced the power of the Demons.  No
overt attack was allowed until a new balance was reached.
	This left Leviathan very frustrated.  She had tried to assuage her
rage by torturing captives, slaying what could be found only after
extensive suffering but...it was so unsatisfying.  She needed to
strike a blow at the source of her humiliation, preferably lethal but
she'd settle for merely hurtful until a better opportunity came
along.
	The main problem was that even though she knew where the human was,
she couldn't risk any obvious actions until things settled down.  The
dimension where her target lived was home to a fair array of gods. 
Most weren't strong, but there seemed to be quite a few of them.
	After many days of brooding, a slow smile grew on her face.  She
might just have a way to strike at the human without any direct
involvement, a temporary measure until true vengeance could be
pursued.  Gesturing to one of the many Dire Harpies in the chamber
she called it to her.
	"I have a mission for you.  Travel to Hades and deliver a message to
the Lassae demons dwelling there,"  she casually stated in a tone one
might use to comment on the weather. 
	"But my queen, they will surely slay me..." the deevil was unable
the continue her protest due to the huge wailing hammer that had
crushed her skull.
	Ignoring the corpse lying on the ground she gestured she called over
another minion and repeated her instructions.  Strangely enough,
although panic could be seen in the creature's eyes, no further
protest was made
	
	
	
	Chapter 3
	
	"Eek!!  A cockroach!"  Ukyo froze at the sound of the dreaded cry. 
She quickly looked over at the tables where a very short bipedal
creature covered in a spiky chitinous shell was viciously beating a
customer.  The other clients were either engaged in attempting to
fend off other similar creatures or running towards the door.  Ukyo
felt her heart sink, this was incredibly bad for business.
	Leaping over the counter she skillfully propelled the creatures into
the corner and proceeded to beat the little vermin into oblivion. 
These bugs seemed to be about as strong as an average man, but Ukyo
was a martial artist.  No insect infestation was going to attack her
customers.
	She turned towards the people she had rescued moments before, to
ensure they were unharmed.  "Are you guys alright?"
	"That was disgusting.  Don't you have any respect for your clients? 
I'm calling the Health Inspectors!" the angry, beaten man roared.
	"But...it's a fluke.  The Inspectors were just here a month ago. 
They gave me perfect marks!  Here let me make it up to you with free
Okonomiyaki!" Ukyo cried out in desperation.
	"You're going to c..cook with that?"  The man turned an interesting
shade of green and raced out the door.  The sounds of someone being
noisily sick were heard soon after.
	Ukyo looked around puzzled, "What was his problem?"  She was about
to put away her battle spatula when she noticed the slime and
iridescent green gore that clung to it.  "Eww.  I guess I can't cook
with this.  I better clean this stuff up before the inspector gets
here.  Maybe I should get some of that industrial strength RAID." 
Still pondering the ramifications of the day's disaster, she began to
gloomily clean up her restaurant.  If she hadn't been so intent on
calculating potential lost business she might have noticed the people
running around in the street outside, chased by numerous insectile
creatures.
	
	
	
	Ranma was exhausted, earlier in the day he had come running into the
kitchen at the sound of a short scream.  On his arrival he had seen
Kasumi on the phone frantically calling the exterminators.  In the
corner he noted a Lassae demon huddled into a corner being
systematically beaten by a horde of household tools.  He may even
have felt some sympathy for the creature if not for his own
encounters with the ferocious beasts.  
	Rounding up some rope he securely tied the creature, and went
searching for others.  He had come across four more of the things
skulking about the house or yard.  Subduing them was simple.  As
demons went they were among the weakest he knew of.  Oh, a normal man
might have trouble with fight, but since almost everyone in Nerima
knew at least some minor sort of martial arts he was confident there
was no real danger.  
	He gathered together Jess, Akane, Soun and his father and went out
to comb the neighborhood for more of the menaces.  Once out in the
streets the hard part began.  These things were everywhere.  The
streets appeared a scene straight from a bad grade B movie.  Any
moment he expected some idiot in a Styrofoam suit to waddle down the
street and fight an equally poorly dressed fake robot.
	The work was more disgusting than anything else.  The monsters died
easily.  A blow that would have merely stunned Ukyo, Shampoo, or even
Akane, would quite crush the little fellows.  Even Genma, coward that
he was, didn't fear the ugly bug creatures.  But there were so many
of them that it had taken far into the evening until they were
confident that the streets were safe.  During the search they picked
up Shampoo, Mousse, and even Ryouga.  In fact they kept on picking up
Ryouga, since he insisted on repeatedly getting lost every few
minutes.  Fortunately, without his uncontrolled teleporting he was
relatively easily found.  
	When they finally arrived at the Tendo house late that night, they
were mobbed by concerned brushes and mops than took offense to people
walking in, tracking ichor on the floor.  Ranma wasn't sure how to
feel about this part.  On the one hand, it was nice to get that
clinging slime off, on the other hand, he had about enough of being
harassed by some damned cleaning utensils.  If Kasumi hadn't seemed
so happy about having the things around he would have found a way to
deal with the things on a more permanent basis.
	Once the group was clean, they sat in the living room and Ranma
explained in a more leisurely fashion exactly what the demons were,
where they were from and the general way his last encounter in the
Timiro Kingdom had faired.  For occasional verification he turned to
Cindra, who remembered the encounter well.  Since she still was
unaware that Ranma and Ranko were the same person, she was not very
flattering in her account of the events.  When Ranma objected to her
version, she would ask how he knew of the events.  This usually was
enough to silence the martial artist.  By the end of his story he was
resentfully glaring at an oblivious Cindra.
	At the end of the narration Ranma was shocked out of his sulk when a
shimmering figure began to form in the midst of the group. The
martial artists jumped backward and assumed their various defensive
postures.  When the blurred image solidified into a six foot tall
ibis headed man, Ranma relaxed, aware of the newcomers identity.  The
others were slower in their recognition, Mousse and Ryouga going so
far as to actually leap at the apparent monster.  They collided in
midair as they met where the god's form supposedly was.
	Ranma just shook his head.  He had assumed it was merely an image
when he had sensed the tingle of magic but not the overwhelmingly
strong chi signature he had come to associate with gods.  Seeing his
companions in a tangle at the image's feet made his face red in
embarrassment.
	"I humbly greet you, My Lord Thoth, Bringer of enlightenment and
wisdom," Cindra graciously stood and performed a low curtsy.  
Ironically since she came from a world where the worship of gods in
general, and the pantheon of Ra in particular, was common, she was
also the only one in the room that had a clue how to greet a god.
	"Greetings, little one," Thoth said politely.  He ignored the pile
of people at his feet, turning his attention directly to Ranma.
	"Hey!  What's up?" Ranma asked eagerly.  He'd been home for several
months and trying to balance his reoccurring foes and his fianc�es
was becoming rather taxing.  Ranma wasn't retreating, but a temporary
tactical withdrawal might be in order.
	"I have news of some possible leads.  When you have your affairs in
order we can start on our attempt to flush our foe's conspiracy into
the open." 
	"Well, I guess I could go now.  I mean everybody is here, so I could
just say goodby to everyone at once."
	"Wait a minute, Ranma" a firm voice interjected.  Looking around
Ranma noticed with surprise Nabiki staring at him.
	"Huh?" Ranma asked.  If Nabiki wanted something someone was going
home a poorer man.
	"I don't like being in the dark.  If you go now we won't know
anything until you come back.  I think we deserve to be involved a
little more in your little fling."  Surprisingly the other in the
group proceeded to speak up as well, declaring their desire to know
what was happening.
	"Well...it's really not my decision," he said looking sideways at
Thoth, showing far more prudence than he normally did.
	"Well, I suppose it can't cause any harm.  Of course I would have to
place a geas on all those here to prevent the spread of unfortunate
tales.  Assuming this is acceptable we could discuss the plans here. 
After I make a few preparations."  He looked questioningly at the
people surrounding him.
	"Ah, perhaps I should go on some errands.  I think Nodoka wanted
some things for dinner tonight," Genma stated nervously.  Obviously
not wanting to be involved in issues dealing with the Netherworld.
	"What an excellent idea, my friend.  I think I'll go with you and
pick up a few things for Kasumi.  In fact why doesn't Kasumi come
with us," Soun said with false heartiness.
	"Oh don't worry father.  I have plenty of food for all of us. 
Besides, I'm sure Mr. Thoth would like some tea." Kasumi merrily
replied, ignoring the fact that it was merely Thoth's image there. 
Thoth did give her a slightly puzzled look, but merely shrugged.
	"Oh.  All right.  I guess we'll get something for tomorrow's meal." 
The two men made a rapid exit from the house, patting themselves on
the back for being considerate enough to help with the chores.
	After they had left Nabiki looked Thoth straight in the eyes and
asked, "Alright, everybody who wants to be here, is.  Let's hear
what's going on."
	"Hold on one moment.  Considering you have a pair of Dire Harpies
flying a holding pattern above your house and a couple of Lassae
demons observing the house from across the street, I think I'll place
a shield around our location.  I doubt it would be good to have
Leviathan know our plans.  She's too shortsighted to put aside her
petty concerns."
	"Leviathan?" Ranma exclaimed running over to the window and looking
up.
	"I doubt you can see her minions from here.  I you reach your senses
out, you may be able to sense their otherworldly energies.  But they
really aren't important right now," Thoth said as his eyes glows like
twin suns.  Strange words poured from his tongue, twisting in one's
mind, at the edge of understanding, yet finally slipping away from
conscious recall.  After a timeless moment, a shimmering barrier
formed around the inside of the room.  Ranma, who was by the window,
staring out, witnessed the world seeming to freeze.  The wind ceased
moving the trees, the few people on the street halted in mid-step.
	"There are many magics that can be used to spy on the actions and
words of others.  This magic has the advantage of removing us from
the perceptions of all such parties.  Only fourth dimensional
creatures would have the opportunity to overhear our conversations,
and I believe I would sense their presence."
	"And the geas?" Nabiki asked with some trepidation, unsure of what
she had involved herself and everybody else in.
	"I included that in the enchantment.  Don't worry.  It will simply
keep you from letting slip any secrets we may discuss."
	"Now why don't I find that reassuring," Nabiki said.
	"I wouldn't presume to guess," Thoth said with humor in his tone. 
"Now if the preliminaries are out of the way�"
	"Wait a minute!  Why is Leviathon after me?  Anhur told me the
Deevil Lords wouldn't hold grudges against a mere mortal." Ranma
objected.
	"Well, that is a bit odd.  Leviathan has always been petty, with a
rather wide cruel streak, but this seems to go a bit beyond that. 
Did you perhaps catch her attention in some manner."
	"Yeah�she was pounding away at Ammit.  She wasn't really winning or
nuthin, but I could tell she was delaying us enough that Mephisto
might actually get there in time.  So I caught her attention, and
gave Ammit enough breathing space to go on the offensive."
	"Exactly how did you catch her attention?" Nabiki inquired, smirking
as she guessed the answer.
	"Well the usual things you say in battle.  You know."
	"Ranma!  You didn't�call her names or something.  Did you?"  Akane
asked, knowing the answer.
	"Well I might have said something about her being uncute."
	The females in the group gave a collective groan.  "Ranma don't you
know that's the worst thing you can say to a woman!" Akane exclaimed.
	"So you don't think it was the 'built like a brick' comment or the
comparison to an ox?  Well, if that's all, she can't be too angry,"
Ranma innocently stated.
	"Ranma, what kind of idiot are you?  I'm surprised you didn't call
her a violent tomboy.  You seemed to have called her everything
else!" Akane shouted.
	Ranma chuckled nervously, placing his hand behind his neck in an
unconscious gesture, " Heh, heh.  Now why would I do that?  How
common are tomboys?  I mean you're the only one I've ever seen around
here."  Ranma froze as it slowly dawned on him what had just come out
of his mouth.
	The exclamations of "Die Ranma!"  "How dare you call Akane names!"
quickly followed.  Ranma probably would have fared adequately in the
following brawl except for the initial hammer blow that stunned him
long enough for his rivals to close in on him.  Thoth looked on in
bemusement for several minutes, until it became apparent that the
combat showed no sign of ending in the near future.
	"Enough!  We have a mission briefing to get through.  You can play
later."  Thoth waited a moment to see if his words had any effect. 
Observing that he was being ignored he drew upon his magic, casting
an enchantment of his own design.  A glowing mist rose from the
floor, quickly spreading to encompass the entire house within the
temporally active area.  Immediately, those rolling, leaping and
kicking around on the floor froze in the position they had been in. 
Many were in an awkward or unbalanced position and promptly toppled
over.  
	The only people unaffected were Kasumi, Cindra, Nabiki, Jess, and
Ranma.  Kasumi, Cindra, Nabiki and Jess had moved off to the side,
neither anxious to get between the martial artist and the object of
their wrath.  Ranma, who had been the object of that wrath, had been
initially stunned and not allowed to recover.  He sat, a bruised
mass, on the floor looking at his frozen companions in bewilderment. 
And not a little relief.
	"Are they alright?" Jess politely asked the god.
	"They are fine.  The spell simply disabled all aggressors, acts of
violence or destruction.  In this case they are paralyzed.  Those not
engaging in such acts remain unaffected.  I designed it some millenia
ago during a delicate peace conference.  It had more in common with
your friends games than I like to think of."
	"What a fine spell!" Kasumi enthused. "Is there any way to make it
permanent?"
	"What?  You can't do that!  This is a dojo!  What kind of dojo zaps
you if you start fighting?" Ranma exclaimed.
	"I could but it would be costly for me.  I don't really see a need
for it quite yet.  If supernatural forces involved with our plan take
a more active interest in Ranma's origin's I will reconsider.  If I
do, I will limit it to the house.  Ranma has a valid point about the
dojo, I suppose." Ranma sighed in relief, his fears temporarily laid
to rest.  "Now, if you don't mind let's start the meeting."
	"Are you going to leave them that way?" Jess asked.
	"Yes.  They're much quieter this way.  They can hear fine." Thoth
stated dismissively.
	"Oh dear.  They look so uncomfortable.  I'll just position them more
comfortably."  Kasumi then proceeded to sort out the fallen bodies
into rows on the floor.  It really looked rather disturbing to the
watching pigtailed martial artist.
	"Oh Ranma!  How exciting!  Now that those unworthy strumpets are out
of the way I can have you to myself."  So saying, she flung herself
on the startled boy.  The pile of paralyzed boys and girls started to
emit angry battle auras as this was witnessed.  Ranma was even more
surprised when Cindra's body stiffened and she fell against him.  He
caught the girl before she could fall to the floor.
	"This version of the spell is strongly dependent on what the target
considers aggressive," Thoth calmly explained the girl's frozen
state.  A slow grin dawned on Ranma's face.
	"I think this spell would be very good on the house." I might even
get to relax once in a while,  Ranma thought.  I wonder if I can get
Thoth to cast it on Mom's house too, it sure would save on the
expense of having it rebuilt every time the fianc�e crew went on a
rampage.  Kasumi took the immobile girl from Ranma's arms and placed
her on the floor with the others, while humming a merry little tune.
	"Now that we are settled down a bit let's start," The people left
standing drifted towards their seats.  There is another dimension
where there exists an alternate Earth.  For reasons soon to be
explained, we will call it Rifts Earth.  Rifts Earth is similar to
your world of today about three hundred years after a holocaust. The
holocaust wasn't a nuclear exchange, it was rather the demons and
hordes of supernatural entities that followed an aborted nuclear
exchange. Rifts Earth had, in the past, been a magic rich world. Due
to the same disaster which caused Atlantis to fade from your
dimension ten thousand years ago�"
"Atlantis was real?" Ranma exclaimed in disbelief. 
	 "Yes.  Now be quiet, this gets a bit involved.  Anyway, the magic
energy of both your worlds began to dwindle to the pathetic trickle
of what it is today in your world. Like your own world the science of
magic did not survive, leaving only the more mundane mechanics of the
world in it's place. Sometime in the early 21st century a limited
nuclear exchange occurred. It may have been the start of World War
III, but it heralded the end of mankind's dominion of the Earth. The
first salvo merely killed a few million, a terrible tragedy but small
on the global scale. The results of this salvo destroyed
civilization. The pychic and magical energy released by these
simultaneous deaths flowed to the dormant ley lines swelling them
into huge torrents off unfocussed power."
	"What's a ley line?" Ranma asked in a confused tone.
	"Just as the human body had veins and arteries to carry blood,
planets develop lines that the excess ambient magical energy or life
force are attracted to and flow across the face of the planet. 
You're planet is so low in energy that it takes a very sensitive
individual to detect these lines.  Rift Earth's ley lines are much
more impressive and visible, you may have heard them referred to as
dragon lines."  Nabiki nodded but Ranma simply shrugged his
shoulders.  "Where these ley lines met they pooled their energies
into reservoirs called nexus. These bloated nexus ripped the very
fabric of the universe opening Rifts into other random and often
hostile worlds. No, it wasn't the nuclear weaponry that destroyed
humanity, it was the supernatural horrors that came after."
	"Didn't they have martial artists to protect them?"
	"No they didn't.  Or at least not ones of your caliber.  I would
think even your group would have had trouble protect more than a town
or two.  It's simply a question of numbers. The Rifts and heightened
magical energy proved self-perpetuating, three hundred years later
incredible magical energies still flow across the world along the ley
lines. Supernatural creatures still rage across the face of the
planet, mostly keeping each other in check enough to ensure no one
entity achieved dominion. Mankind is just recovering enough to cobble
something together worthy of being named civilization. Humans have
learned through hard fought survival to channel and control the
energies known as magic.  Similar to the mastery achieved in the last
world you were in.  In other areas science has recovered enough to
almost achieve the pinnacle it achieved before the Rifts, giving
mankind a chance at winning back a foothold on the world they once
claimed."
	"This sounds like a very dangerous place," Nabiki stated.
	"That's okay, I'll show those monsters not to mess with a Saotome."
	"Actually the place where you'll be going is mostly inhabited by
humans.  It is the Japanese analog in Rifts Earth."
	"So it's similar to here?  But you said�" Ranma started to ask.
	"I was speaking of the world in general.  Japan is an unusual case. 
They fared better than most.  They were closer to their traditional
roots than many other and were able to readapt their religion and
what little they remembered ancient magic.  Most people still died,
but civilization recovered along more traditional lines a mere
hundred years later.  In other areas technology is making a strong
reappearance."  Thoth chuckled at a pun only he knew of.  
	"Back when the Rifts were formed one of the Japanese cities were
experimenting in some very elementary dimensional physics.  It
happened to coincide with the reopening of the Rifts.  Due to some
harmonic interaction several cities were removed from the face of the
earth, displaced into pocket dimensions, and just recently returned
to the normal space time continuum.  These cities still have their
Pre Rifts technology.  They now get along with the existing
anti-technology provinces with varying degrees of success.  One of
existing provinces who had rebuilt their own technology from the
ruins of the old are not taking the reappearance of these newcomers
well.  They have made plans that could be extremely harmful for the
human controlled lands."
	"What exactly does Ranma have to worry about regarding the non-human
controlled land?" Nabiki asked.  She may have been greedy, but Ranma
was her�well almost�brother in law.  It was sounding more dangerous
by the minute.
	"He most likely won't have to worry much about them.  The clues I
have gathered point to the more technically inclined.  The Otomo
Shogunate specifically."
	"Shogunate?  As in Shogun?  Isn't that a bit�backward?" Ranma asked.
	"Many have chosen to reorganize along more traditional lines. 
Shinto has become the major religion in many provinces.  The New
Empire in particular."
	"Wow, they really worship the Emperor?" Ranma asked bemusedly.
	"Some areas in the New Empire do, others merely show extreme
respect.  The Otomo Shogunate is not part of the Empire and is not
one of these.  If they had a chance they would conquer the New Empire
without a second thought.  The petty politics and schemes of the
various Japanese states are not your problem.  When you get there it
wouldn't hurt to know who is who, just so you don't step on the wrong
toes." Thoth took a long look at Ranma.  "Then again, I suppose some
conflict is inevitable.  Try to keep it to a dull roar."
	"What's that supposed to mean?  I can stay out of trouble!" Ranma
defiantly proclaimed.  This caused Nabiki to chuckle and even Jess
smiled.
	"Yes.  Of course.  Anyway, the Otomo Shogunate is conspiring with
the Oni and the local source of technology, H-Brand, to unbalance and
then take over their neighbors.  H-Brand was the major source of
technology before the old cities came back.  It would be unfortunate
for Japan, but unimportant to the bigger picture if this occurred. 
Except for the fact that certain deals have been made with those in
Atlantis.  This deal hints at the control of some great supernatural
entity in the future.  This could be a reference to the Old Ones."
	"Or it could be the megalomaniac rambling of a madman," Nabiki
pointed out.
	"Yes.  It's certainly not unknown for the power mad to make
exaggerated boasts.  But considering that failure may lead to an
inter-dimensional war, the like of which hasn't been seen for a
hundred thousand years, I think we should explore this option.  It's
the best lead I've been able to find after several months of
searching," Thoth patiently explained.
	"So tell me about Atlantis," Ranma asked.
	"It may be a while until you actually get to Atlantis.  It will need
to be indirectly, since we don't want to scare our prey into
premature hiding.  I'll drop you off in Japan and you can make your
way to the Otomo Shogunate.  Finding out more detailed information
will be up to you.  I suggest you keep your male and female
identities separate.  It should give you more flexibility dealing
with people."
	Nabiki looked over at Cindra, noting the blank look in her eyes.  It
could have been merely the paralysis but somehow she doubted this
part of the conversation was registering with her.
	"Okay, and Atlantis?" Ranma repeated.
	"The once lost continent of Atlantis reappeared during the
dimensional fluctuations rampant during the initial opening of the
Rifts," Thoth stated, aware it would be faster to explain than argue
with the stubborn martial artist.  "The original noble, though
arrogant, race that once inhabited it has left the Earth Rifts
dimension long gone.  Replacing them is the Splugorth and their
minions. The Splugorth are a race of powerful extra dimensional Alien
Intelligences."
	"Splynncryth, the present owner of Atlantis, has always been a very
congenial, pleasant sort when we meet.  However, I have no illusions
of how he treats mortals.  Humans usually have short, brutal lives in
Atlantis, when you do go there you will need to tread carefully.
Splynncryth maintains control of this new land, mostly watching the
events in the world around him. Occasionally he raids other lands for
slaves. For now the struggle with other supernatural entities that
total dominion of Rifts Earth would require is felt to be not quite
worth the effort for him.  Make no mistake though, the untold
billions that the Splugorth in general and Splynncryth in particular,
name their minions remain available, waiting for the call to arms on
their own worlds."
	"Billions?  It sounds hopeless," Nabiki interjected.  Even Ranma
seemed a bit nonplussed.
	"The good part is that many of the other Gods and Intelligences that
have made their home on that planet have similar resources.  They
usually keep each other in check.  A full fledged war would destroy
the territory they argue over and create ill feeling with other
powerful creatures.  This means that usually only small skirmishes
and raids are fought.  The bad part of this stalemate is that the
native humans have very little chance of completely reclaiming their
planet in any foreseeable future.  I'll give you more detailed
information when you actually go there."
	"As for your more immediate trip to Japan, I suggest you use your
female identity for the diplomatic envoy from the city of Lazlo.  You
have more detailed background in the folder," a folder containing a
sheath of papers appeared in the air, falling at Ranma's feet.  "In
short Lazlo is a city in the North American Continent.  It is a city
mostly dominated by magic, although they have close ties with
technologically advanced neighboring city-states."
	"They have a fair mix of human and non-human and welcome almost any
creature of peaceful intent.  They also have quite a few explorers
searching the world and nearby dimensions for possible allies.  The
area they live in is has a precarious balance of power, and they live
in constant danger from the more violent supernatural creatures and
even their less pleasant human neighbors.  Their last explorer was
killed by the Otomo Shogunate, they will be confused as to how you
got past their defenses, but not surprised at your presence.  In this
identity you should be able to make peaceful contact with the New
Empire, the Republic of Japan, Takamatsu, and maybe Ichto.  Ichto
tends to be anti-magic, so that is questionable."
	"The second identity is of a simple hapless dimensional wanderer,
who was unfortunate enough to fall through a rift.  Since you are
obviously of human Japanese descent this is a generic enough origin
to be accepted almost anywhere.  Unlike your diplomat side you may
not be granted as much freedom or flexibility in the New Empire, the
Republic of Japan or Takumatsu.  However your acceptance in Ichto and
the Otomo Shugunate should be very smooth."
	"What if people actually want to make agreements with Lazlo through
Ranma?" Nabiki asked.
	"Let them," Thoth shrugged, "I have contacts in Lazlo.  As long as
the terms are fair, the agreement will hold, when Lazlo is in reality
contacted.  I suggest you speak with Nabiki first before you close
any deal.  She seems to have a good head on her shoulders."  Nabiki
felt rather faint, not at the god's praise, but at the opportunity
before her.
	"Wait a minute!  He going to be in another dimension.  How's he
going to communicate with me?" asked Nabiki, snapping out of her
dreams of profit.
	"This should help," a thick tome fell in her lap.  "The next thing
you should know is probably the most important from a mere practical
standpoint."  A ceramic brick fell on Ranma's head, creating a loud
thumping noise.  Ranma merely looked at the brick in puzzlement. 
"Try to smash it, I'll repress the Sanctuary enchantment for you,"
Thoth prompted.
	"Er...okay," a confused Ranma responded.  Quickly gathering his chi
he brought his fist down on the brick.  Ranma was stunned when he
recovered from the strike to find the object undamaged. "What?  How? 
What is this stuff."  A frustrated Ranma gathered more chi and
intensified his attacks on the seemingly impervious brick.
	"As technology advances, so does the material sciences.  In your own
terms, you wouldn't expect a gun fired at a tank to inflict any
significant damage.  Well, this substance is advanced armor from the
Japan Ranma will be going to.  It is used as armor for land and air
transports, personal armor, Robot vehicles, and even buildings." 
Ranma had been going mad trying to break the stubborn block.  So far
he had only created a fine network of spiderweb-like cracks that
didn't go deeper than the surface.  Angry at not achieving his goal,
he finally struck out with his Breaking Point technique.
	"Thank you, Ranma.  I really needed that," a now dust covered Nabiki
growled out in a sarcastic tone.  Ranma ignored her, gloating over
his victory of the inanimate object.
	"Very good.  I hadn't expected you would be able to accomplish that
so easily.  This will make things easier.  I doubt that will work on
magical armor though."
	"If that world has armor that strong, what kind of weapons are they
using to fight each other with," Nabiki asked, not sure she wanted to
know the answer.
	"They are devastating.  For some weapons, the equivalent energy of a
nuclear bomb is harnessed," Ranma stopped dancing around in victory,
looking at Thoth with a suddenly pale complexion.
	"Nuclear?  What am I supposed to do against that?" a panicked Ranma
cried out.
	"A normal human would die, if he had no armor or other protection. 
Supernatural and some magical creatures absorb magical energy like a
sponge.  Their bodies automatically use this energy to reinforce the
bodies structure.  In short they become as durable, sometimes even
more so than that brick you just shattered.  Similar things happen to
the creature's attacks.  Though stronger than an average human it is
not the creatures strength that causes it's considerable damage it is
the concentrated magical energy within the creatures structure which
mostly inflicts the damage, although it is amplified by the strength.
 This is why the pre-Rifts civilization fell, despite their
impressive technology and military might."  
	"They might have fared better if it hadn't been a complete
surprise," Nabiki chimed in, she had an idea where his explanation
was going.
	Ranma didn't, "What does this have to do with me?  It sounds like
everyone there will be unaffected by my attacks, and I get vaporized
if they lay a hand on me," he loudly complained.
	 "One of the reasons I chose you is your specific brand of martial
arts.  The years you have spent using chi to mold your body into the
perfect fighting machine has changed you.  You now fit into the
category of the creatures I mentioned, who will absorb the ambient
magical energy to enhance your structural durability.  The Breaking
Point training you have undergone has enhanced this ability as well. 
The final benefit you have is your curse.  It's form, though human,
owes its entire existence to enchantment.  When in this form, it will
add a small but significant amount to your overall toughness and
healing."
	"I'm going to have the power of a nuclear bomb in my hands," Ranma
looked in wonder at his hands, as if they would suddenly be engulfed
in atomic fire.
	"Really Ranma, that was just an example.  Your chi bursts and your
punches may contain a similar kinetic force, but there's nothing of
actual fusion or fission involved.  You need not worry about
radiation or fallout when using your abilities.  Just be aware that
most of the others you meet will have similar abilities.  It's a very
dangerous world you are entering."
	"How do humans survive," Nabiki asked.
	"Carefully.  Mages have created enchanted armor and weapons.  The
cities have a slew of powerful weapons, vehicles and armor.  There
are even some fighters who have limited chi manipulation
capabilities.  They all manage to hold their own against the
supernatural forces arrayed against them.  The most danger this Japan
faces comes from their fellow humans, although those humans have
allied themselves with Oni.  This of course discounts the danger from
Old Ones and Splugorth, which we may have to worry about in the
future."
	"Study that folder carefully.  I will be back in a week to send you
to that world's Japan.  In the meantime I will make the Sanctuary
spell permanent, within the house.  It will give you a little bit
more time to study.  The paralysis only lasts a half an hour with
this spell version.  Goodbye."  With those final words the image of
Thoth slowly faded, as did the temporal barrier around the house.
	"This is awesome!  I might actually get some peace and quiet without
Mousse and a certain Uncute Tomboy..." his diatribe was cut off
suddenly.  Nabiki looked over to her possible brother in law to see
him paralyzed in mid insult.
	"Well Thoth did say the magic depended on what the recipient thought
was an aggressive or hostile action.  I imagine you and Akane are
going to be spending a considerable amount of time not moving in the
next week.  Wow, I hope I can handle the peace," Nabiki chuckled to
herself.
	"What did Thoth give you?" Jess moved from the corner she'd been
sitting in and walked over to Nabiki.  Together they sat on the couch
and looked over Thoth's gift.  Kasumi started dusting the guests.
	"Hmm.  'How To Become A Priest Of Thoth In Ten Easy Steps, written
by Thoth'," Nabiki started to read the book, with Jess looking over
her shoulder.  It promised to be an interesting week.
	
	
	
	Chapter 4
	
	Once through the portal Ranma fell a few feet to the ground.  The
first sensation he noted in this new world was the power.  His
internal chi, usually firmly under his control, surged and bubbled. 
This caused a feeling much akin to that of severe heartburn, a hot,
painful feeling in the pit of his stomach which seemed to pulse and
occasionally engulf the rest of his body.  A much more dispassionate
observer would have noted the young man standing stock still as a
crimson aura seemed to rage around him.  The only sign the figure
gave that he was alive within this light show were grimaces of pain
that flickered across his face, before being replaced with a blank
fa�ade of someone concentrating on something the rest of the world
couldn't perceive.
	Ranma slowly regained his balance.  Working with his chi, he slowly
brought the flood back under his control.  He breathed a slow sigh,
as he was able to relax, somewhat confident his internal reservoirs
wouldn't burst through their new restraints.  He knew he would have
to leash his power carefully until he grew used to the sheer
magnitude this world lent his abilities.  No longer glowing and
crackling he turned his attention to the world around him.
	He found himself in a clearing of what was a large expanse of
forest.  The trees were tall and few were saplings.  He was no
forester but he knew well entrenched woodland when he saw it.  Thoth
had refused to inform him where he was sending him, saying his
ignorance would be more convincing if it were authentic.  Ranma knew
he lied very poorly, but failed to see that it would matter if people
believed him truly lost.  
	He was about to set out towards the rising sun when he heard
something crashing through the bushes quickly approaching his
position.  Adapting one of his inoffensive appearing ready stances he
prepared to meet whatever creature was making the loud noises. 
Prepared as he was to meet a large wild animal, or perhaps one of the
demon or oni that he had heard roamed the land, he was surprised to
see a young girl, looking around twelve, burst through the last bit
of concealing foliage and run towards him.
	Putting on his friendliest smile he asked her, "Excuse me Miss.  I
seem to be lost.  Could you..."  This was as far as he got before it
registered that the girl had dashed past him and was entering the
woods on the opposite side.  He was still pondering her strange
behavior when a powerful chi signature practically spun him around. 
Out of the area the girl had entered now arrived a much stranger
appearing creature.   The creature was a misshapen caricature of a
man.  It stood six feet tall, a low forehead giving it a rather
Neanderthal appearance.  Long stringy white hair hung from the sides
of it's head, leaving the top empty of covering.  The features that
grabbed his attention were the arms.  It had five of them.  Two on
one side of it's body three on the other.  The weapons the creature
wielded were the next thing that caught his attention.  This was a
bit more immediate as two sets of swords an axe, a whip and a pistol
all seemed to be heading towards him.  
	Leaping under the blades, he grabbed the whip end as he leaped by. 
Holding one end he leaped and rolled around what he thought was his
first Oni encounter in this world.  The creature's feet were tangled,
giving him an advantage while he dealt with the threat with
uncharacteristic caution.  His caution seemed justified when the
thing started shooting it's weapon at him.  Ranma's first impulse was
to use his technique to catch the missiles, the strange glow coming
from the barrel changed his decision and he smoothly dived out of the
way of the barrel's path.  This was fortunate as the gun spit a burst
of energy rather than the projectiles he had at first expected. 
Ranma ignored the subsequent explosions he heard behind him coming
from the near miss.
	Knowing that this battle could possibly go on for quite a while
unless he went on the offensive, he gathered his chi and leaped at
the Oni.  The world seemed to stand still as his foot hit the
creature with the force usually reserved for his Meteor Kick.  The
thing flew back as if at the end of a bungee cord, shattering several
trees in it's path.  Upon landing the creature lay still for a moment
before struggling to sit up, somewhat stunned by the force of the
blow.
	Ranma for his part was stunned for a different reason.  The kick he
had delivered had a lot more force that he had intended.  Thoth was
serious when he said his normal blows would be amplified beyond all
reasonable expectation.  Looking behind him his attention was caught
by the devastation the missed energy blast had caused to the trees
behind him.  Four thick tree trunks were obliterated, leaving the
upper part of the tree to have fallen in a random fashion around the
blast site.  He was thanking his good sense to have avoided the
energy blast when he heard a discharge from behind him, followed by
several bee sting sensations on his back and legs.
	"Ow!" a now irritated Ranma turned back to the Oni who was no longer
sitting on the ground.  The demon, which had a huge grin pasted on
it's twisted face, paused in shock.  Humans who didn't wear armor
weren't supposed to shrug off laser pistol shots.  True the pistol
was a pathetically puny weapon when used on even the common armor
available in the area, but against a practically naked human it
should have been more than sufficient.
	Ranma was angry with himself.  He couldn't believe he had ignored a
still active foe like that.  He hadn't been this sloppy in ages.  He
gave himself some latitude for the havoc the ambient magic levels
were doing to his senses and concentration, but it still rankled. 
Growling he sent a small chi burst toward the Oni who seemed shocked
by Ranma's continued existence.  "Good thing Thoth was right about my
increased durability or I would have joined the trees in the land of
kindling," he muttered with ill humor.
	His mood was not improved when the chi he summoned swelled
uncontrollably in his hands before bursting forth at the Oni.  Ranma
was blown off his feet by the backlash and thrown down onto the now
scorched earth.  "Great!  I'm my own worst enemy," he grumbled as he
bounced to his feet again, simultaneously fighting to control the
suddenly unruly energies surging within.  When he could spare the
concentration again, he looked up to see the now unconscious Oni
lying in a twenty-foot wide crater.  Taking inventory of his own
wounds he noted that the sting from the pistol was already fading. 
Other than the embarrassment in his total incompetence in wielding
his standard techniques he was unhurt.  
	Walking over to the Oni he saw with a certain relief that it was
still alive.  Examining his fallen adversary, he attempted to use
pressure point healing on the thing.  After a few minutes he shook
his head in resignation, stymied by its alien nature.  The chi flows
in a normal human were lacking, only a chaotic mess of energy flowed
through the Oni.  Ranma guessed that this was normal for it's race,
rather than a symptom of some disease.  Either way he had no idea how
to manipulate the chi flows for this race for anything but random
effects.  Still it was probably merely unconscious.
	His theory was proven correct when one of the hands reached out to
claw his face.  With a smoothness belaying the complexity of the
maneuver Ranma caught the appendage and twisted it into a submission
hold.
	"Ah.  Good, you're awake," Ranma greeted him in a congenial fashion,
ignoring the hostile glare being leveled at him by his erstwhile
opponent.
	"Arg, damn human scum," the creature grunted and soon descended into
an intense string of curses.  His ranting was only ended when Ranma
tightened his hold.
	"Where are we?" Ranma asked, unwilling to spent more time than he
had to in the monster's presence.
	"We're in the freakin woods, you imbecile.  Ow!  Ow!  Stop it!  I'll
tell you what you want to know!" the creature howled.
	"Good.  Now the name of this place is..." Ranma prompted.
	"I don't know what the humans named the damned forest.  It's on the
border of our territory."
	"What's the name of the human territory?  I'm losing patience." The
martial artist stated brusquely..
	"It's the New Empire.  What kind of idiot are you?" the demon
couldn't resist prodding.
	"The kind that can break you in little evil pieces.  Hmm, the
Empire.  Oh well, I guess it's time to change.  Oh, and you.  Go
away, if I find you in human territory again I won't be as kind."
Ranma gathered up the weapons, making a point to crush the pistol. 
This was probably not a wise idea as the little weapon exploded in
his hands as he destroyed the energy source.  The departing Oni
snickered at this attempted display of might, while Ranma glared at
him absently rubbing his stinging hands.
	He was in a foul humor when he heard a familiar crashing in the
woods.  Acting quickly he removed his bracers for a moment before
splashing himself with water from his canteen.  Moments later as she
replaced her bracers she again witnessed the young girl race out of
the bushes.  This time instead of rushing by, she grabbed
Ranma-chan's hand to pull her along.
	"Hurry!  We have to leave!  There's Oni all over the place."  A
despairing look come over the girl's face.  "They killed Mama and
Papa!  Run!"  The girl cried out desperately.
	Ranma-chan was regretting letting the Oni leave alive, but if the
girl needed help she was going to provide it.  "Don't worry.  I ran
off the fellow chasing you," she tentatively patted the girl on the
shoulder and was shocked when the girl leapt at her and hugged her
with a desperate strength.  "Er...there, there," Ranma-chan babbled
awkwardly, not sure what to do with the girl clinging to her.
	"Do you have relatives you can go to?" she asked, trying to keep her
mind of the immediate situation.
	"Not around here.  Papa used to talk about a cousin in the Emperor's
court, but I never met him." The girl mumbled into Ranma-chan's
chest.
	"Well, I happen to be going to see the Emperor.  I'm sure someone
knows who your cousin is," Ranma-chan said distractedly.
	"Wow, you know the Emperor?" the girls squealed, temporarily
distracted from her grief and fear.
	"Not really.  But I'm an envoy from Laslow...er Lazlo, and I hope
he'll make some time to see me.  Yup, sure would be a pity if I
couldn't see him.  Then I couldn't do my envoy thing."  Frankly
Ranma-chan had only the vaguest idea what an envoy did.  She was
rather hoping she wouldn't be allowed to meet the Emperor.  She had
no idea what she'd say if they did meet.
	"Hey did you see some guy around here.  I think I ran past him a
little while ago."
	"Guy?  Oh the guy!  He ran after some Oni.  No doubt he's heroically
defending the helpless right now," Ranma-chan took the opportunity to
pat herself on the back in a vicarious fashion.
	"Are you sure?  He didn't look very heroic.  He just slouched there,
and looked stupid, while I ran from the Oni," she stated with some
doubt evident in her voice.
	"I did not...I mean I sure he was just so good he didn't need to
seem scary.  Why he took on the five armed Oni all by himself!" she
boasted.
	"So is it dead?" 
	"Er...no.  It got away.  But it was running scared." More like
walking away sneering, Ranma-chan thought guiltily to herself.  Next
time I'll be more thorough. I had no idea the things were so deadly
to the populace.  Admittedly it had an impressive aura, but it went
down so easily.  Probably easier than any of the demons she had
fought would have gone down in this world.  Probably any supernatural
creature here had an impressive aura.  It would take some practice to
properly judge an opponents power level again.  "So which way is the
Emperor?"
	"I think he lives south-west somewhere," the girl said in a subdued
tone.
	"Well all right let's head that way." After waiting a moment she
continued. "We can't really go anywhere with you hugging me like
that."
	"Sorry," the girl mumbled from the depths of Ranma-chan's chest, but
gave no sign of letting go.
	
	
	
	Ranma-chan finally had to settle for carrying the smaller girl on
her shoulders.  With the almost limitless energy and endurance that
this world granted the supernatural, she had little difficulty with
the added weight.  Several times they ran across lesser Oni, usually
smaller creatures with the heads of foxes, pigs or other woodland
creature.  It really creeped Ranma-chan out.  It was like watching a
parade of examples of Jusenkyu gone wrong.  
	The first time the little girl, Komar, screamed in Ranma-chan's ear
in terror.  The fearful child's wailing was replaced by amazement as
Ranma-chan quickly set her on the ground and leaped towards the Oni. 
It only took a few blows to lay the little menace out on the forest
floor.  Ranma-chan was reluctant to kill the weak creature while it
lay helpless.  If it had happened to die during the battle she was
sure she would not have felt any regret, but to slay a harmless foe,
even if only temporarily so, was an almost impossible step for her to
take.  
	Deliberating for a moment, she gritted her teeth and broke each bone
in the creature's arm.  Feeling somewhat disgusted at herself her
gathered up the girl and began walking again.  Komar's only question
was to ask why he had allowed the Oni to live.  Ranma-chan spent the
rest of the afternoon in a vain attempt to describe his behavior and
code of honor.  She got the impression the child admired her strength
but was baffled by her 'soft' ethics.  She had entered a vicious
world, she hoped it wouldn't rub off too much.  Once killing came
easily it was a hard habit to break.  Her old man may have been a
petty thief and con artist but he had warned Ranma of these moral
pitfalls.  She was even fairly confident that they were an area where
he had actually practiced what he preached.
	The next couple days passed in a similar manner.  The largest band
of Oni he encountered was a group of nine.  The most difficult part
was keeping Komar safe during the altercations.  She had an almost
uncanny ability to be where the Oni were.  This encounter occurred
within hours of picking up the girl, but rapidly became rarer as they
neared the more civilized part of the Empire.  At least Ranma-chan
assumed that was the reason for the decreasing number of monsters. 
The last few encounters had ended with the Oni fleeing at the sight
of them.  It was possible the creatures in the area had spread the
word regarding the unnatural and vicious redhead.
	She had yet to see any other humans aside from herself and the girl.
 Still civilization must be near.  They were traveling on a dirt road
clearly meant for humans rather than trails made by forest animals. 
Ranma-chan wondered aloud at the sanity of Komar's parents to bring
her out to such a dangerous place.  Komar vehemently disagreed when
she brought the subject up.
	"My parents weren't crazy!  The Oni only started getting this
aggressive recently.  Before last week we hardly ever saw one.  Papa
used to drive away the ones we saw with a magic bow a wizard made for
him.  It was really neat.  He used to pull back and invisible string
an' a flaming arrow would appear.  I miss Papa and Mama," she ended
her defense of her parents with a sniffle.
	Ranma-chan quietly apologized and hugged the girl for comfort.  At
first she had been at a loss to deal with the frequent outbreaks of
grief and emotions that the little girl was prone to.  Desperation
had forced her to experiment, finding hugs and kind words would stop
the tears quicker than anything else.  She found that it wasn't too
awkward to show some affection toward the smaller girl.  After all,
there was no chance of it being mistaken for other than an innocent
gesture.  Well she supposed Akane would think the worst, but...well
that was just how Akane was.  
	Ranma-chan also entertained Komar with small colored spheres of chi
she would summon and juggle.  The first night she only did this as an
exercise in control, finding more challenge than she liked in keeping
the energy stable.  When she saw an enchanted Komar staring at the
display she got a little fancier, added a few more spheres and
flashier moves.  Komar especially enjoyed the part where they
exploded in her face.  She laughed and laughed, making even the
bruised Ranma-chan smile in the shared humor.  She wasn't sure but
she thought Komar had believed it was part of the show.  Ranma-chan
didn't enlighten her, just summoned more balls and started again.
	It was on the second day, while she was murmuring soft words to the
distressed girl that they finally reached the first small village.
	
	
	
	Ryouga looked around.  Ever since Ranma had come back from his
travels Ryouga had felt as if he was being watched.  He had been able
to ignore it while Ranma was around, the almost constant sparring and
havoc centered around Ranma was excellent in distracting him from
other problems.  Now that Ranma had run off on another mission for
some god or another it was becoming harder to ignore.  The sensation
was still there despite Ranma's renewed absence.  Without Ranma to
act as the focus the general Nerima insanity, events were mundane,
even slightly boring.  Ryouga had few distractions to prevent him
from noticing it.  It had to be Ranma's fault.
	After a few days of idleness the oppressive feeling became greater
and greater.  Ryouga began to look around him with uncharacteristic
nervousness, sure there must be a cause for his sudden paranoia.  A
conviction slowly began to overtake him.  Since this had started when
Ranma had returned, Ranma must have some way of stopping it.  After a
few hours mulling over these thoughts he came to a decision.  With
great deliberation he began to unfasten the ankle restraints given to
him by Anhur.
	"Ranma, when I find you I'll have my answers if I have to beat them
out of..."  the last part of his statement was interrupted by a
column of light which engulfed him as the last band of metal was
removed.  A moment later Ryouga was gone.
	
	�
	
	Chapter 5
	
	The first hints of civilization were the partly flooded fields of
rice.  This was a comforting sight to Ranma-chan who had seen similar
things on his travels through Japan and China.  Fields meant people
and people meant something besides scavenged plants and fish to eat. 
She may be capable of living in the wilderness for long periods of
time, but that didn't mean the quality of life was anything to write
home about.  She could go for the type of meals Kasumi made on a
regular basis, even some fried rice or Akane's curry would be a
welcome change.  With this in mind she stopped at the first field
that had people working in it, crossing the ground while scattering
seeds in their wake.
	"Ahem.  Excuse me do you know a place in town where we can get some
food.  A restaurant or inn?"
	"Restaurant?  Our village is a bit small for city stores, but
Narumi-san has been known to give a bit of hospitality to a stranger.
 Her hut is that little building off in the distance.  No, the one
next to that one."  Giving a bow in thanks, Ranma-chan headed in that
direction.  The meal Ranma-chan received was simple but satisfying. 
Komar didn't eat much but Ranma-chan more than made up for it.  A
small gold coin seemed to satisfy villager.  When Ranma-chan asked
for directions to the Emperor in Kyoto, she received directions and a
warning.
	"I'd be careful in the next province." Narumi stated in a cautioning
voice.  "The Overlord in our province and most of the provinces in
the New Empire are hospitable and fairly run.  The quickest way to
Kyoto, the directions I told you about, go through the province of
Lord Ito, he died recently leaving his sons to dispute his title
among themselves.  It's a pretty unpleasant and dangerous place to be
right now, especially for foreigners.  I have no doubt the Emperor
will straighten things out at the next Imperial Council, but that's
not for a few months.  Are you sure you don't want to go around it?"
she asked, giving Ranma-chan a questioning look.
	"What makes you think I'm a foreigner?" Ranma-chan asked curiously. 
She was acting as a foreign diplomat but she was curious why this
woman believed she wasn't a native.  As far as she could tell their
accent was almost identical to her own.
	"Well it's kind of obvious.  You have the language down perfectly,
young lady, but the hair is very obvious.  There just aren't any red
headed Japanese people in our country unless you count the poor
misguided fools in the Japanese Republic and the other New Cities who
dye their hair."
	"Hair?  What's hair color got to do with being Japanese?" 
Ranma-chan asked while self-consciously fingering her pigtail.
	"Well, I guess you haven't been around people that much.  Native
Japanese people have black hair.  It the natural color of our people.
 Unless you have the poor taste to dye."  Narumi informed her in a
condescending voice.
	Ranma-chan nodded blankly.  It didn't make sense to her.  Sure most
Japanese people she knew had black hair.  Her original male form had
black hair too.  To say that all Japanese people had black hair was
going a bit far.  She knew lots of people who had blue, pink, purple,
brown, or blond hair.  Some of them would get violent if you
questioned their ancestral purity.  Obviously some sort of mutation
had occurred during the catastrophe several hundred years ago and
these misguided people didn't realize what their original ancestors
had looked like.  Ironic, considering how traditional the rest of the
New Empire seemed to be.
	"Well I better head out to Kyoto.  I'll be careful when I pass
through Ito's province," Ranma-chan said in parting, not wanting to
worry the kindly woman.
	
	
	
	As Ranma-chan neared the more populated areas of the Empire the
fields became closer together and huts turned into real houses. 
Mostly of modest size but no longer one or two rooms.  The more
affluent people lived in the traditional peaked, shingled homes with
the decorative cornices.  Nerima was populated with similar, though
slightly more modern versions of the same houses.  The city they were
presently in even had a sufficient population to support several
houses that seemed to specialize in services or goods.  By asking
some discrete questions Ranma-chan was able to find his way to the
central area which seemed to be a merchant's square.  
	Ranma-chan felt the itching sensation that signaled the presence of
magical devices.  She noticed several people wore robes, pouches or
other items that had the telltale sign of enchantment on it.  Most of
the carts were of the mundane sort, with horses or mules drawing the
wooden frame behind them, but a few were of a more interesting
design.  There were several intricately designed platforms that
practically made Ranma-chan's pigtail stand on end.  These stood
floating several feet above the ground and passively followed the
barked directions of the merchant or 'driver' in charge of it.  Komar
didn't give them a second glance, indicating that these were common
devices, not merely the toys of the rich.
	Ranma-chan found one stall selling trinkets and jewelry willing to
exchange a few of her smaller gems for the local currency.  Feeling a
little more comfortable in with odd mixture of traditional and alien
they moved toward a stand selling several kinds of simple prepared
foods, along with samples of the local agriculture.  Some fruit
didn't seem native to Japan leading to the ironic thought that some
non-traditional items were kept even after the Rifts.  Ranma-chan
nodded to herself in approval.  A culture had to have some
priorities, she thought while chewing a rather expensive apple with
no small amount of satisfaction.
	A commotion by one of the further stands caught her attention and
she casually wandered over to where the noise was.  Standing
menacingly over one of the female merchants was one of the guards
dressed and armored in the ancient samurai style.  This warrior
seemed to be demanding something from the woman.  It wasn't until
Ranma-chan approached the scene that she was able to hear the
merchant's reply.
	"My apologies, Honored Warrior, the Samurai of Lord Toshio have
already taken the money for this month.  I have nothing to give you,"
the woman declared in a begging tone, obviously bewildered regarding
the proper response to the situation.
	"Lord Noboru is your proper liege Lord.  The fact that you gave your
earnings to an outlaw is not Lord Noboru's problem.  That you cannot
give him his proper due will be yours.  Do you still insist that you
cannot pay?"
	"I couldn't tell them no!  They would have killed me!  Please have
mercy!" the woman cried out, collapsing into a heap at the feet of
the man.
	"Never the less since you will not obey Lord Noboru's laws, you must
be punished," the armored man stated placing his hand on the hilt of
his katana.
	Ranma-chan had heard all she needed to, she stepped forward between
the two people.  "Leave the poor woman you cheap samurai wannabe! 
Those two idiots you guys work for should deal with their own
problems before taking out their stupidity on their own people." 
Ranma-chan angrily exclaimed.  Few things could infuriate her more
than people picking on those weaker than they were.  Picking on
helpless women was one of those things.
	The samurai stood still in shock for a moment before yelling in
rage.  Almost before a man could react he had drawn his sword and
aimed a lethal strike at the red haired bitch in front of him. 
Ranma-chan could almost admire the man.  He was almost as fast as
Kuno.  This was impressive, Kuno may have been a raving loon, but his
skill with the sword was not something to be ignored.  Unfortunately
for the man, the time that Ranma-chan could be hit with a sword had
ended when she was fourteen.  Knowing that dodging would endanger too
many people in the tightly packed market place, she decided to take a
risk.  It was dangerous to use this maneuver with such a skilled foe
but it was probably safest for those around her.  As the sword came
towards her she reached out, creating a small clap of thunder as her
hand breached the sound barrier, and clasped the blade between her
fingers.  The sword was brought to a sudden halt several centimeters
before it would have reached Ranma-chan, who winced slightly at the
painful burning sensation she was experiencing from contact with the
enchanted weapon.  Weapons were bad enough, magic weapons were really
starting to irk her.
	"Say goodnight you armor clad bozo," Ranma-chan smiled sweetly as
she used a carefully aimed Chestnut Fist to shatter the magic
enameled armor of the samurai.  The warrior actually managed to block
several of the hundreds of blows aimed at him.  This raised him
significantly in Ranma-chan's estimate but did little else except
make Ranma-chan's blows tear through the arm protection, and ensure
that she accidentally broke his arms too.  With his arms dangling
limply at his side and Ranma-chan still holding the sword motionless
between her pinched fingers, she sent the warrior into
unconsciousness by gently slamming the sword's hilt into the man's
forehead.  She had to be careful, unenhanced humans seemed far too
fragile in this world.  A new tingling arose from the fallen man, as
an amulet around his neck gained a soft blue glow and to emit a
shrill, high pitched whine.
	Looking at the crumpled heap before her she dropped the katana next
to the man.  She had a brief thought of shattering the sword as a
gesture of contempt, but entertained it only briefly.  The warrior
may have been a pathetic excuse for a human, had earned the bare
beginnings of respect for his martial skill.  It wasn't easy to block
even the fraction of the Chestnut Fist.  It also helped that the damn
sword was enchanted and Ranma-chan hadn't the faintest idea how to
break it.  Her hand still ached slightly from just touching the
blade.
	She started looking around for the woman she had rescued only to
find her rapidly crawling away.  "Hey!  There's no need to run!  He
won't be bothering anyone for a while," Ranma-chan attempted to
reassure her.
	"Forgive me, mistress, but his fellow samurai will be here very
soon.  It would be foolish to be here when they arrive," the woman
stated, now picking up a few things from her stall, peering nervously
around.  "I thank you for rescuing me, but if I wish to live I must
leave.  More will arrive soon.  You should leave too.  Quickly," she
stated in a low urgent whisper.  Looking around she noticed most of
the other people in the market square were closing there shops, there
haste expressing their near panic.
	"How tough can they be?  This fellow was better than the Oni I've
met on the road, but wasn't that tough," Ranma-chan boasted.
	"He was one of the younger guards.  His fellow guards will be here
soon," the woman was no talking over her shoulder as she rapidly
walked away.
	"Er...how many?" Ranma-chan asked, a tinge of uncertainty entering
her voice.
	"Lord Noboru's warriors number about twenty..." the woman began.
	"Ha!  Twenty's nothing, I can deal with twenty," Ranma-chan said
exuding confidence.  Sure that was a lot of warriors, given the skill
shown by the one at her feet, but with Cologne's and Happossai's
training she felt confident in her abilities.
	"...but since you are an outsider Lord Toshio will no doubt make a
temporary peace with his brother and bring his own twenty or so
samurai against you," she finished as she ducked out an archway
leading out of the square.
	"Forty?  I guess...I can...forty?" Ranma-chan started to get
worried.  At that moment there was a thunderous sound of horses and
ten mounted men rode into the square through the archway opposite
that which the woman had exited.  The faint sound of more people
behind them could be heard.  An all out brawl with Komar in the
middle seemed unwise at the moment.
	"Saotome Combined Special Final Attack: Now You See Me, Now You
Don't!" grabbing Komar up and carrying her beneath her arm Ranma-chan
used Happossai's Dimensional Cloak technique.  Drawing forth her chi,
she drew it like a cloak around her.  Then twisting it in a
directional she had only recently learned to perceive, she drew the
two of them out of phase with the rest of the world.  As she did she
dimly sensed objects she guessed were arrows passing through her now
invisible and immaterial form.  As if from a distance she heard the
horsemen shout questions at each other.  Before one of them could
find a way to pinpoint Ranma-chan's position she ran out of the
market, passing completely through the previously solid objects in
her path.
	Ranma-chan had to hand it to Happossai, the little pervert seemed to
have the perfect escape technique, better even than the Way of the
Silent Thief.  Too bad it was so energy intensive.  She found it hard
to believe the old man was able to use the stealth method long enough
to do anything else, let alone spy on the women's bathhouse.  Besides
being exhausting, all her senses except her chi sense were muffled. 
Useless in combat, but combined with the Saotome Special Attack, it
had its place.
	
	
	
	Ryouga landed on his feet and was slightly irritated to be ankle
deep in crushed rock.  His feet had that stinging sensation
associated with landing flatfooted after an ill conceived jump. 
Unlike a certain pigtailed martial artist, he had far less practice
falling at terminal velocity.  He had already been working up a full
head of steam against Ranma so it took very little to redirect his
anger.  Someone was going to be in a world of pain.
	Cracking his knuckles he looked around, seeing some old guy in a
crimson robe who seemed to be in the middle of a speech that either
was supposed to be threatening or devoted to patting himself on the
back.  He couldn't really tell.  Around him standing in a semi-circle
were about a dozen stone creatures standing at rest.  If it weren't
for the stories he had heard from Ranma he might have believed that
they were merely inanimate statues.
	"...knew you would arrive eventually, the trap set for your
companion demon contained a device that would resonate with your
essence when he came in contact with you.  You may have resisted my
call for a few months, but I knew you would eventually weaken and
when you did this twin amulet would draw you into my control."  The
old man held up a familiar looking chain and medallion.
	"Hey that looks like the thing Jess gave Ranma when he got back to
our world!  I knew it was his fault!  It always is!"  Ryouga stated
with dark satisfaction.  There was a grim comfort to be found in
having the foundation of your beliefs constantly reinforced.
	"What are you talking about?  It was I who organized your capture. 
I who will spill your blood for my Emperor and my Empire.  Your death
will herald a new age for the Western Empire.  It is foretold that
the death of the Lost One will ensure our triumph."  The old man was
in a world of his own, obviously dreaming about great things to come.
	"How about I herald your broken limbs?" Ryouga snarled.  No one made
fun of his sense of direction.  Stepping forward he found himself
slamming face first into an invisible wall.  Looking down he realized
that he stood at the edge of a great, glowing circle.  The
circumference of the circle coincided with the unseen barrier.
	The old man cackled in glee, "Did you think I didn't learn anything
from my failure to hold the first demon?  Ha!  You'll find this
circle devised specifically to hold you.  There is no escaping your
fate.  I was too lenient...too soft with your companion.  I won't
make that mistake again."
	"No, I guess you'll make others!  First I'll deal with you, then
I'll handle Ranma!"  So saying Ryouga brought the flat of his hand
slapping down to strike the ground before him.  "Breaking Wave
Tsunami!" he shouted.  Immediately a ripple spread out from his hand,
passing through the barrier without any signs of diminishing.  More
and more quickly similar and increasingly large ripples flowed
outward until those around Ryouga seemed to be trying to stand amid
the waves of a wildly raging sea.  Only the center point where Ryouga
knelt held any sign of stability in the moving landscape.  The walls
around the courtyard and the palatial residence beyond withstood this
assault for mere seconds before explosively crumbling into rubble. 
The very ground, unable to maintain integrity within this turmoil,
broke apart setting off chains of explosions similar to a series of
breaking points that followed the leading edge of each ripple.
	When the havoc had settled down a much calmer Ryouga stood up and
looked around with some satisfaction.  Ranma had surprised him with
an inferior version of this attack.  The next time they had fought
Ryouga had shown Ranma what a real master of the Breaking Point was
capable of.  It was fortunate that the battle had occurred far from
the city.  Ranma was correct in saying that their attacks were
getting far too damaging to be used indiscriminately.  It's too bad
this attack hadn't taken Ranma out, but he had come pretty close to
winning...okay maybe not winning...fighting his rival to a
standstill...before Ranma had pulled out a surprise trick he had
learned from Cologne.
	Stepping over the now broken circle he walked through the ruins of
the mansion.  He didn't notice the pained groan coming from the area
the mage had been buried, but he did pause long enough to grind the
medallion that had brought him there to dust beneath his feet.
	The golems didn't even slow him, shattering into pieces after the
deft application of several Breaking Points to each with the end of
his umbrella.  Madmen and idiots who attacked Ryouga with creatures
of stone and rock deserved a swift end.  It was almost as satisfying
as beating Ranma...well not really, but probably as close as he'd get
for a while.  A real stress reliever.
	Out in the street several townspeople either hurried away or hurried
to the almost level ground that had once held the home of the
Emperor's High Summoner. They took little notice of the boy wearing a
bandana, who strolled out of the ruins lightly swinging his umbrella
and whistling a merry tune.  If they had, they would have seen him
turn around a corner and slowly fade from their dimension.
	
	
	
	Chapter 6
	
	The black haired girl looked guiltily around the room.  A conflict
was of thoughts were occurring in her mind.  On the one hand she
technically wasn't allowed in either the locked section of the
library or alone in the shrine.  On the other hand she was the most
gifted of her clan and therefore had a duty to protect them.  It
would be unthinkable if one of her family were to be harmed because
she wasn't brave enough to follow her convictions.  Besides, she
already had stolen the required books from the library.  Her family
were temporarily away, either on various missions, errands or
visiting friends.  This might be the last opportunity she had to set
her mind at rest and learn what she needed to protect her family.
	With a final grunt of resolution, she placed the relevant book on
the ground and began drawing the ritual circle on the shrine floor. 
She was confident in her ability to summon what was needed.  After
all she was the most accomplished at magic and fighting in her
family.  Oh sure she specialized in spell magic, but she knew the
theory behind rituals and circles.  All it took was a bit of patience
and some talent.
	It was unfortunate that most overly confident people are blind to
their own faults, otherwise the young girl might have noticed that
patience was actually not a quality she possessed in abundant.  When
she had been drawing the circle with exquisite care for over an hour
a sense of frustration began to come upon her.  Scowling to herself
she forced herself to move a little faster, the symbols and archaic
words she drew became slightly less defined.  The chalk lines that
she knelt over to reach the area she concentrated on became the
smallest bit smudged.  When she completed the circle over three hours
from when she started she looked over her work with satisfaction,
oblivious to the small details that might make the circle less than
perfect.  An experienced Summoner or Shifter would have looked upon
the work and immediately erased the thing from existence, the girl
simply smiled and began the chant to activate the circle.  
	To be honest it was truly an impressive first attempt, surely only a
magical prodigy could come so close to correctly working the
enchantment laid that night.  Many a Summoner's apprentice had indeed
worked with worse.  Of course summoning is a dangerous art and losing
a careless apprentice now and then to demons and other occupational
hazards were only to be expected.
	As the final words of the spell fell from her lips the girl
witnessed a shimmering glow appear in the midst of the circle.  The
glow slowly coalesced into the form of a vaguely humanoid shape.  The
spectral figure slowly looked around the shrine, it's gaze finally
falling upon the girl kneeling in front of it.
	"Who do you summon?" the figure said in a hollow tone.
	"Why don't you know me grandfather?  I called for your wisdom."  
	"Of course I know, granddaughter.  After all I am your grandfather,"
the subtle irony in the tone was lost upon the entranced female.
	The girl's gaze became slightly unfocused as she stared into the
eyes of her summoning.  Almost against her will her eyes were drawn
away from the misty figure to a picture of her grandfather sitting on
a shelf on the other side of the shrine.  When her eyes returned to
the circle she found that she could make out the distinct features
she knew so well.
	"Well, little one, what can a departed spirit do for those still
living?"  Even the voice had lost the hollow echo that had been
dominant moments before, now it was the deep, warm tones of an
elderly man.
	"Our family is in danger, grandfather.  The Oni are becoming more
aggressive.  I've heard rumors that our Emperor has had attacks
perpetrated on his person.  I need to know why this is happening and
what I can do about it," she said faintly, it was hard to concentrate
but she had gone over this in her mind so often that she was still
capable of stating her request.  It was so nice to have grandfather
back.  Now everything would be all right.  He could make everything
okay.
	"It is fortunate you summoned me, little one.  Grandfather has all
the answers.  You are so wise and brave to undertake the actions
necessary for the good of the clan.  There is one demon behind trails
and tribulations plaguing the land.  But it is a clever demon for it
has taken the form of an innocent appearing red headed girl.  Once
this creature is destroyed all will be well for our family.  They
will love and respect you for making those hard decisions they were
unable to.  For saving this land from it's troubles."
	"Yes...save the land...respect..." a faint look of determination
entered the girl's glazed eyes.
	"You knew there was a simple explanation for all the things wrong in
your life.  You are the only one who can see the solution.  The
destruction of this monster will make everything better."
	"...everything...better..." 
	"I must leave you now, child, I will leave behind an object that
will lead you to this demon.  As long as you wear it you will be able
to find the evil one.  No matter how it appears you will be able to
see the true evil hidden within."  The figure of the old man faded
from sight leaving behind a girl looking dazedly at the circle, empty
except for a black bracelet of seemingly constructed of twining
serpents.
	
	
	
	The tall spindly humanoid looked at his notepad's display and shook
head.  The large orbs that composed his eyes looked unblinking at the
list of errands, notes, and chores to be accomplished that day for
his master.   A long black tongue snaked out to caress the serrated
fangs that made up the creature's assortment of teeth.  So much to
do.  A Highlord's job was never done.  It was hard work to keep his
master's favor, but the power he wielded in his position made up for
much of the labor involved.
	"...there's also the Goqua known as Gearalthou.  He seems up to his
race's typical tricks again.  He masqueraded as an Old One and
strong-armed the population into blood sacrifices and almost drained
the civilization to edge of collapse."
	The huge circular pool of slime the Highlord stood in front of
bubbled and frothed, finally erupting in a spray of drops which
coated all those in the chamber.  The humanoid stoically wiped the
sludge from his face and display while he waited for his master's
convulsion to subside.  
	A sphere twenty feet across slowly rose from the thick liquid.  The
iris in the globe the only clue that this was a creature's eye.  As
the sphere rose higher it could be seen that the eye was attached to
a central mass from which long tentacles sprouted.  Small spikes
several feet long grew in circles around various appendages and four
vicious looking bony spikes encircled the central eye, guarding it
from the world around it.
	"That is very amusing.  Maybe we should invite Gearalthou to
Atlantis, it sounds as if he would be an entertaining fellow!" the
horror in the pool stated.
	"Er...My Lord Splynncryth...that might not be wise. Gearalthou
actually did this on one of the worlds belonging to Sleecryth.  He's
very upset with Gearalthou and has vowed to chase him to the ends of
the Megaverse for destroying so many of his cattle.  The inhabitants
of his world were considered a delicacy to many Intelligences."
	 "Hmm...okay, don't invite him.  Sleecryth has a lousy sense of
humor and I think his judgement is failing in his old age.  I think
he might be insane enough to bring his army to my home."  The voice
grew silent for a moment, only an occasional bubble showing that the
creature was active.  "Given this turn of events, why are you
informing me of this?"
	"Gearalthou has wrangled an invitation from one of the Pantheon of
Set to stay here.  Apparently many think his antics are amusing.  I
thought you should be warned of the possible conflicts."
	"This could be awkward.  My legions could probably take Sleecryth's
if he did something unwise, but there wouldn't be much left of this
half of the planet.  Not to mention that a conflict of that magnitude
would disrupt my dealing with the other powers presently on this
world.  Make sure Gearalthou's presence stays as quiet as possible. 
Better yet see if you can convince him to impersonate another
Intellegence while he's here."
	"Goqua's have a tendency to rebel against authority figures," the
Highlord warned.
	"Good point.  Send a Sunaj representative.  They are weak enough to
hopefully not trigger it's rebellious nature.  Besides they're more
expendable than you."  The Highlord puffed up at this backhanded
complement.  "It takes centuries to train a competent administrator. 
I really regret that I killed your predecessor.  It seemed funny at
the time," a burbling sigh erupted from the pool.  The Highlord's
shoulder's slumped, his ego deflated.
	"It's too bad we can't convince Gearalthou and Sleecryth to settle
their differences in a death match in the Arena.  That would be real
entertainment.  It's getting hard to be enthusiastic over a bunch of
over evolved apes and other assorted mortals killing themselves for
my entertainment."
	"They do provide a great deal of entertainment for tourists and the
merchants that visit us.  We can try to capture some higher beings
for the Arena, but as you know, it can get politically sticky when
their patrons find out."
	"Bah, never mind!  One of the reasons I love this world are the fun
conflicts happening all over the world.  That Gargoyle/Human war in
Germany is very amusing.  You just can't get a ringside seat to
really exciting genocide just anywhere in the Multiverse these days. 
Well...unless you instigate it." Splyncrith grumbled.
	"There is one other item I wish to talk to you about, Master
Splynncryth.  The Demonlord Abdul-Ra sent word that he will be
visiting you in the near future.  Apparently his girlfriend has
gotten the urge to have a human as a pet.  No accounting for taste."
	"I think humans can be vastly amusing.  Just not in the Arena, they
just don't last long enough.  Their little wars, especially on this
planet, are like a microcosm of the greater universe.  And if things
get out of hand and they are wiped out, you just move on to the next
group.  So Abdul-Ra is bringing Rhada here?"
	"Yes master, remember the scandal their relationship caused?"
	"Yes, I collected quite a bit on the bet I made.  It was great
fun...well I suppose Rhada wasn't happy, but...that's entertainment. 
Leviathan must be quite upset."
	"I understand that she isn't allowed to make any overt hostile move
for the time being, but she is furious.  She seems angrier at some
mortal who was involved, but that could be an act to put Rhada and
Abdul-Ra off their guard."
	"I doubt she's that subtle.  I'm sure she's merely petty.  Leak the
information that her former captive will be a guest here in Atlantis.
 I'm sure her attempts at a covert revenge will be immensely amusing.
 When both sets of our guests arrive, be sure to offer them our best
hospitality.  Include servants with our modified symbiotes.  With
them in place I'll be able to watch through their eyes.  And a good
time had by all," the slime bubbled and fizzed with the Splugorth's
amusement.
	
	
	
	Ranma-chan was getting tired.  Not physically, but mentally.  It
seemed that in this world her body could labor away indefinitely. 
The same couldn't be said for her patience, it was definitely on a
short fuse.
	Ranma-chan ducked under the sword blow heading towards her, and
touched her armored foe with an outstretched finger.  She
concentrated on forcing a part of her chi to translate into shear
physical force and send the kinetic energy into her adversary.  
	"Butterfly Kiss," she shouted.
	Her opponent's body immediately flew straight back as if hit by a
truck.  Ranma-chan's finger stung a bit.  She supposed the
aftereffects of the technique were the reason why Happossai used a
pipe as a focus.  Still it was an excellent method to rid oneself of
minor irritants.  She had been making a point to use non-lethal
techniques on the warriors that were hunting her.  Unfortunately
these people must have been related to Kuno.  They just kept on
coming.
	Hearing the thundering of hoofs on the road behind her she turned
towards the sounds to see another group of ten riders rushing
forward.  If this kept up she would have to do something drastic,
Komar was all right now, hidden in the underbrush by the side of the
road, but several times she had come close to being hit by these
'samurai'.  Ranma-chan stood in the middle of path and watched calmly
as the horsemen closed.  When they had approached to within twenty
feet she unleashed another technique.  
	"Bean Jam Blowout!"
	A funnel appeared from her hands and the chi energies swirling
between them.  Quickly expanding it engulfed the small horde before
her.  It easily lifted the warriors, as well as their steeds up in
the air several hundred feet, spin them around until even Ranma's
practiced eye could only discern a blur, and lightly deposited them
about a half mile away.  Those that actually landed on their feet,
immediately fell flat on their back, unable to deal with their wildly
spinning world.  Several threw off their helmets and armored masks
and were violently sick.  The horses seemed mostly unconscious, they
may have been the fortunate ones.
	As she was turning back to Komar she noted a rustling sound coming
from her other side.  Although she sensed no enemy's chi, she
somersaulted rapidly to one side.  She was rewarded by the sword
stroke that swung through the space where she had once stood.  Upon
landing Ranma-chan looked towards her attacker, seeing who she had
expected.
	"Masayo!  Why do you keep bothering me.  I know you're not sworn to
those losers, but you've been following me for days!" Ranma-chan
shouted in exasperation.  Masayo was actually a very good fighter. 
Before her recent training it may even have been an equal fight. 
Even with her training Masayo actually got a few lucky blows in.  She
noted in the back of her mind that she had a different sword than she
had the previous times they had met.
	"You will not deceive me, foul demon.  I know you to be a kidnapper
and collaborator of supernatural horrors," Masayo declared with fire
in her eyes.
	"Huh?  Kidnapper?  I didn't kidnap no one!  I saved Komar from the
Oni!" she yelled while dodging and parrying the sword strikes aimed
at her.  Masayo was much more skilled than Kuno, and by the way she
made her itch she must be loaded with magic.  That would certainly
explain her speed.  Outside Tarou and Cologne he had never seen
anyone who could match his speed, but this girl came close.  She
guessed a spell similar to her ring of fleetness was responsible. 
She also was somewhat at a loss as to how to deal with her. 
Ranma-chan knew she had a hard time fighting girls.  There was just a
part of her that couldn't bring herself to inflict injury to a girl. 
Ironically Shampoo was probably the only female she had come close to
breaking this rule with.  The horrible results of the breach of her
honor only served to reinforce her reluctance.  The girl was fast and
skilled enough so that pressure point strikes were no guarantee, were
in fact more likely to expose her to a return strike.  Ranma-chan
wasn't sure, but Masayo may have had an aura field or force field of
some sort.  Chi strikes were too unreliable, either requiring too
much focus for non-lethal precision or simply being too powerful in
this new unpredictable world.  
	While Ranma-chan was pondering her options a lightning strike from
Masayo gave her a glancing blow to her shoulder.  In this world where
her body was ridiculously resistant to damage it normally would have
been ignored as a scratch.  This strike was different.  As the sword
touched Ranma-chan's skin it seemed like a horrific force ripped
through her, giving her inner self and chi an agonizing wrench before
reluctantly letting go.  Ranma-chan went stiff with an inner pain she
had never experienced before.  Her grasp on her chi failed
completely, resulting in an enormous flash of energy.  This was
fortunate because Masayo was preparing for a follow-up strike on the
frozen martial artist, which would have slid through her suddenly
non-existent defenses.  
	When Ranma-chan came to her senses she was on her knees in the
middle of a large burnt crater.  Masayo was struggling to her feet,
still somewhat stunned by the unexpected release of energy. 
Ranma-chan ignored her, the shock of the sword's attack on her very
essence thoroughly dampening any sympathy or guilt she might feel for
the girl.
	Staggering to her feet she made her way over to where Komar looked
on with worried eyes.  Picking up the girl she walked as fast as she
could into the woods.  A moment later she heard Masayo shout in
anger, recovered enough to realize her target was absent.  By that
time Ranma-chan herself was recovered enough to leap into the trees
and head away as fast as she could leap.  She had no idea what that
sword had done, but she had the conviction that she had barely
escaped from a fate worse than death and was not anxious to repeat
the experience.
	
	
	
	In the road behind the martial artist the warrior known as Masayo
looked intently into the forest where here quarry had disappeared. 
She had almost had her.  The sword had informed her that it had
almost drawn the soul of the creature out in it's entirety.  Once
that happened the combat would have been over.  The demon destroyed
beyond any chance of return or resurrection.   She had been so close.
 
	Giving a low growl of anger she turned her attention to the warriors
who were just now approaching the battle site from their landing. 
Shaking her head in disgust she headed into the woods. She knew they
had their own reasons for the chase.  She didn't care.  In her mind
their only relevance was to flush out her prey.  They were competent
against minor supernatural nuisances, but against a major
supernatural foe one needed the right tools.  She didn't know why the
creature didn't kill them long ago, but they served their purpose.  
	Turning her mind back to the battle she analyzed the battle.  The
demon was very resistant to the sword's attack.  This didn't worry
her too much.  True, the creature would be destroyed in one blow if
she succeeded in capturing it's soul, but even if the creature
resisted each attempt it would get weaker and weaker with each
strike.  She guessed the thing couldn't take more than three or four
such blows before dying.  She wouldn't be surprised by that pathetic
explosive diversion again.  She had the tools and thus the
responsibility to take care of the situation.  Rune swords were rare,
but few other weapons allowed humans to deal with the greater
supernatural menaces plaguing Japan.  It had taken a bit of work,
gaining access to the family sword, but it was well worth the effort.
 She would save Japan from this monster.  Her family would understand
her actions when she came back a hero.  A Demon Queller work was
never done.
	A soft hissing sound whispered soothing assurances from her wrist.
	
	
	
	Ranma-chan's wound was healing with excruciating slowness.  In the
few days she had been in this world she had grown used to the
phenomenal rate of recovery she had enjoyed with the few wounds she
had suffered.  The sword's damage had taken several minutes to stop
bleeding and hours later it was merely scabbed over.  Fortunately her
chi reserves had replenished themselves more quickly.  Consciously
focusing her chi combined with pressure point therapy had sped up her
physical healing to almost normal.  She estimated that in an hour or
so most of the damage would be gone.  At least the physical damage.
	Whatever that sword had done had been terrifying.  It was as if
something had walked into her innermost being and started to haul it
out of her.  She couldn't allow it to hit her again.  Ranma-chan
started to prepare for her next battle with intense concentration. 
She was training in a technique she firmly believed no man should
ever employ.  She was trying to convince herself to strike a female. 
She would almost prefer to let herself die...but not quite.



	Please send any question or comments to daniel.ruth@worldnet.att.net

	The newest version of this story can be found at
http://home.att.net/~daniel.ruth



-- 
                 .---Anime/Manga Fanfiction Mailing List---.
                 | Administrators - ffml-admins@fanfic.com |
                 | Unsubscribing - ffml-request@fanfic.com |
                 |     Put 'unsubscribe' in the subject    |
                 `---http://www.fanfic.com/FFML-FAQ.txt ---'