RANMA 1/2 V

A fan-fic written by Force Vector based on the
characters and situations created by Rumiko Takahashi.

Word of Caution: There is a scene that describes full
nudity and another about bondage.  Furthermore, this
chapter contains a lot of violent, bloody scenes.

----------------------------
CHAPTER 5: Rigged

��� The crossing to the Chinese mainland was swift and
more or less uneventful, the route taken apparently
well known by the ship�s crew. � Nearing the
shoreline, descending upon them like a pack of hungry
wolves, the ship was suddenly surrounded by a �fleet�
of small high-powered boats.� Again the crew seemed
accustomed to the sight, for Ranma and his companions,
the sight of so many obviously armed vehicles made
them nervous.

�� Nonchalantly picking up a signal lamp, Nabiki held
a brief conversation with one particular boat - well
protected by its companions. � After the short
exchange, she claimed that the boats were �escorts� of
the �business� associates they were going to meet.�
Tension diffused, the ship followed the escorts
towards a well camouflaged smuggler�s cove.

�� Reaching the hidden lair, the Kunous disembarked -
even before the ship had been secured - to discuss
matters with her �associates�. � Cologne, unescorted,
took the opportunity to equip herself.� Ranma wondered
which unlucky fool would try to make the moves on her,
seeing the looks some of the men were giving her.� He
wasn�t surprised that Happousai was discreetly tailing
her. � The Jusenkyo guide had also stepped down and
was having an animated conversation with several of
the local �guides� nearby.� Hearing that the local
herbalist dabbled in magic, Dr. Toufu and Gosunkugi
had also left ship.

���Although it might have been considered quaint that
the smugglers had styled themselves after the
legendary 108 bandit warriors, their operations savvy
proved that they were a serious group.� Still, Ranma
couldn�t help but be somewhat amused.

�� Seeing several of the ship�s seamen leave, Ranma
had a feeling that they might be spending some time in
the cove.� Spotting a relatively clear area near the
ship, he decided that several of the simpler kata
should keep him busy.

                   ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

�� By coincidence, all that had left the ship returned
at the same time.� They stopped in their tracks when
they saw the sizable crowd that had gathered near the
ship.

�� "Looks like Ranma has gotten himself into
trouble."� Nabiki did not exactly frown but the way
she said it left little doubt.

�� Surrounded by a ring of people at least three deep,
Ranma faced two opponents.� The smaller of the two
wielded a pair of wicked looking butterfly knives, his
companion had a plain wooden staff.� Several
unconscious �bandits� littered the ground.

�� Seeing that none of her companions seemed
interested in stopping the fight, Nabiki shook her
head in irritation and took a step forward.

�� Only to find her husband holding her back. �
"Tatewaki!"

�� He returned her gaze evenly.� "We mustn�t
interfere, Nabiki-chan."� He jerked his chin outward,
she looked back at the fight.

�� The knife wielder was now sprawled on the ground,
twitching ever so often.� The surviving assailant was
now holding two sticks, his staff broken evenly at the
middle.� Instead of tossing it aside, he shifted into
a stance that showed he knew how to use the �new�
weapon.� In a blur the assailant spun the sticks in
figure eighths as Ranma did several probing attacks.
�His counter attacks were wickedly fast but Ranma
blocked them all.� The sharp report of wood meeting
toughened flesh resounding clearly.

�� Jumping back, Ranma glanced in their direction.  He
took the time to wave at them.� Seeing an opportunity,
the remaining assailant went into the offensive, only
to meet air.� Moving faster than the assailant, Ranma
had dodged to one side, and while twisting deflected
the attack away from him with a stiffened arm.� As the
assailant tried to correct his re-directed charge,
Ranma tripped him.� Falling, the assailant turned the
trip to a roll and used the momentum to spring to his
feet.

�� In time to see Ranma�s flying kick about to make
contact.� Bringing up the sticks to form an �x�,
Ranma�s attack was absorbed by the braced sticks.� The
power of the Ranma�s kick splintered them and shoved
the assailant a few feet back.� Flipping in mid-air to
land lightly on his feet, Ranma dashed after the
assailant the moment his foot touched ground. �Seeing
the charge, the assailant scooped up the butterfly
knife and put all his weight in a high speed stab.

�� Before the blade could make contact, Ranma dropped
into a squat, the knife-arm blurring by above his
head.� Pushing off with his legs, Ranma landed a
devastating uppercut.� Ranma rose several feet as his
opponent spun several times before crashing to the
ground.� Upon landing, Ranma did not go into a
defensive posture.� He stood relaxed, ignoring the
fallen, staring at the crowd.

�� A harsh Chinese bark was uttered.� Several of the
spectators went to the fallen fighters and
administered them.� An old, but well-built Chinaman
walked up to Ranma and bowed deeply, Ranma responded
with the same.  One by one the fallen fighters who
were awakened went up to Ranma and started chatting.�
The crowd slowly dispersed into little groups, all
were commenting about the fight, hand gestures
embellished the recounting.

�� Nabiki felt her husband relax his grip. � "Can we
go now?"� Not meaning to snap at him, Nabiki favored
him a contrite look.

�� His small smile told her she was forgiven. �
"Patience."

�� After a few minutes, the fighters had all bowed to
Ranma and left, Ranma went back to doing a kata.

�� Cologne noticed that the old man regarded their
group carefully as he passed by.� Something about his
mannerisms tickled her memory. 



�� Ranma nodded in greeting when the group reached him
but kept with his rhythm.

�� Happousai saw that there were still several men and
women watching Ranma�s kata, from a discreet
distance.� Some were miming the movements Ranma made.�
"Seems you�ve made new friends."

�� "A good majority of the people here are versed in
various fighting styles . The moment I started doing a
kata, they were drawn to me like the proverbial moth
to the flame.� Friendly enough bunch, wanted to see me
in action."

�� "Who were the last two fighters we saw."

�� "Every one in the ring represented the best of
their specific fighting style.� I took them one at a
time, then in pairs.� The last two just happened to be
the only ones left standing.� Interestingly enough,
both used Philippine-based weapons."

�� "The old man?"

�� "Their instructor.� I think Cologne might know him,
he came from the Amazon village."

�� Cologne looked in the direction where she last saw
the old man.� "Really?"

�� "I think his name was uh, Poh Medu?"

�� A smirk appeared.� "That�s correct.  An idealistic
youth and a good fighter.� Had a nasty habit of
questioning some of my decrees.� Suffered the same
fate as I did."

�� "You gonna talk to him?"

�� The smirk faltered and indecision took its place. 
"I don�t know."

�� "We�re not leaving yet."

�� "Do you think I should."

�� "Go on.� It�ll do you some good."� He smiled
encouragingly.

�� Cologne turned to Happousai.� He gave a slight
nod.� Nodding back, she rushed off.

�� Happousai�s impression of Ranma went up another
notch.� "Pretty perceptive, Ranma."

�� Ranma shrugged.

�� "What�s with the last attack you used?"

�� "Saw some kids playing a video game that featured
�martial artists�.� Just wondered if it could be
pulled off."

�� "Useful?"

�� "Flashy, but inefficient.� Heck the one in the
video game had flames trailing his fists."

�� "You don�t say."

�� Another shrug.� "Finished with business?"

�� Happousai glanced at Nabiki, she gestured that he
had the honor.� "Yes and no."

�� Ranma completed the kata and faced the group.  A
towel was tossed from the ship, Ranma caught it
without looking. �"What�s up?"

�� "Nabiki thinks we should equip ourselves with some
military-spec devices.� Cologne and I don�t think so."

�� "Pros and cons?"

�� Nabiki spoke first.� "Should you guys get
separated, the tracking device will be able to show
where every one is."� She held up a small box-like
device not bigger than a tricked-out pager.  "It also
has provisions to be hooked up with the global phones
so you can stay in touch with each other at all
times.� Connected, they can be used to relay tactics
in battle or also for spying purposes.� The phone goes
into a silent �ring� mode once attached and I�ve
included a headphone-microphone headset for almost
hands-free operation."

�� "The night-vision goggles is useful if you intend
to travel under the cover of darkness with as little
hindrance as possible . If you used guns equipped with
range-finders, the goggles can interface with it,
showing pertinent information in your field of
vision.� Of course, you guys don�t use guns, but I
though I should mention it.� Oh yeah, it also works in
conjunction with the tracker, highlighting your
companions on �screen�."

�� "Sounds like a sales-pitch."

�� Nabiki grinned.� "It is.� One of the companies we
have invested in develops these advanced military
gear.� What you have on hand is their latest designs,
they have gone through extensive field testing and
will be offered to the military forces in a month�s
time."

�� Ranma blinked his eyes several times - his only
comment.� He turned to Happousai.

�� "Where we go, we will be dealing with magic. � It
would be better if we rely on ourselves than on
machines.    Besides I have never encountered a device
that hasn�t failed, even if these things are
military-specific designs."

�� Ranma mulled it over, thinking out loud. � "We can
use them on the first leg of the journey.� That would
allow us to travel even at night.� When we near our
destination, we rest for a day gathering our strength
then push on without the devices," He returned his
gaze to the two, "Would that be okay?"

�� Happousai again looked at Nabiki.� Her wry smile
seemed to say, �See, I told you.�

�� Tatewaki unslung the military backpack he was
carrying. 



�� Handing out the various devices, Nabiki showed how
it should be connected to the phones.� "Remember, when
they�re hooked to the tracking device the phones are
just fancy walkie-talkies.� You�ll need to disconnect
it if you wish to use it as a global phone."

�� Dr. Toufu examined his phone thoughtfully. "How are
we to know if someone is trying to contact us?"

�� "Let me rephrase that.� The phones are fancy
walkie-talkies when connected to the tracking device
but it can still send and receive calls.� Because it
is set like a walkie-talkie, every time you talk, it
will broadcast what you said to every connected
phone.� So, if you wish to use the phone �privately�,
you must disconnect it."

�� "Ah."� Dr. Toufu clipped the phone to his tracking
device.� The thoughtful look hadn�t left.

�� "Anything else?"

�� "Gee, I feel like an extra in Star Wars."

�� They all turned to look at Ranma.� Wearing his
backpack, he secured the tracking device and phone on
the pack�s straps.� He had the phone�s headset on and
the night-vision goggles over his eyes.� He was
whistling �The Imperial March�.

�� Happousai was the first to recover.� "Well, let�s
just hope the force is with us."

�� "What force?"� Cologne asked cheerfully, "Did I
miss anything?� What�s with Ranma?"

�� "It�ll take to long to explain, not much and you
don�t really want to know."� Happousai�s reply was
resigned amusement.

                   ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

�� "Remember to call at least every third hour."�
Nabiki�s voice drifted out of the connected phones.�
The ship�s marine engine a stereoscopically distorted
backdrop.� It had barely left the cove when Nabiki
called.

�� "We will, Nabiki."� Tatewaki�s voice was also
distorted as it came out of the phones.

�� "Don�t take unnecessary risks, you hear?"

�� "We won�t, Nabiki."

�� "Give them hell, Ranma."

�� Ranma was surprised at the vehemence in her voice.
� "Uh, I will, Nabiki."

�� "Just remember what that slime tried to do to
Akane."

�� "Nabiki-chan." � Tatewaki�s voice was tender but
the reprimand was unmistakable.

�� "Sorry.��Just this once I wish I had spent more
time with the arts, than in �finance�."

�� "I understand, Nabiki."

�� "Would Saffron�s head on a platter do?"�
Happousai�s offer seemed sincere.

�� "Don�t be barbaric."� With a laugh she ended the
call.

�� Tatewaki clapped Happousai on the shoulder. � "I
thank you Sensei Happousai.� Nabiki-chan�s disposition
seems to have returned to a semblance of normalcy."

�� "I�m serious about the offer."

�� Ranma changed the subject, talks of heads on
platters meant killing and he wasn�t to keen on
killing anyone� yet. �"Hey Happousai, where to first?"

�� "Jusenkyo."

�� "Why the springs?"

�� "Plum."

�� "Ai-yaaa!� Tragic story.� I not think of daughter�s
safety."� The Jusenkyo guide started to hop around and
beat himself in the head.

�� Happousai looked heavenward.� "Cologne, please calm
the guide."

�� She took the guide aside.� From the snippets that
could be overheard, Cologne had combined compassion
with anger.

�� "Do you think she�s in any danger."

�� "I don�t think so.� After all, Saffron knows we�re
coming.� I just want to make sure that she�s fine..."

�� Gosunkugi finished.� "�And isn�t suffering from
Saffron�s brainwashing."

�� "If she is, ah, brainwashed, can you break it?"

�� "I don�t know if I can, Ranma.� It took the three
of us to break his hold on me, and left us pretty much
drained. � Saffron would have had more time with
Plum." 

�� Short of the soft exchanges of Chinese from the
guide and Cologne, silence had ensued.

                   ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

�� Leaving the bandit�s lair, the group used a
roundabout route to reach the cursed springs.�
Considering the state the Jusenkyo guide was in, Ranma
was thankful that both Cologne and Happousai seemed to
be well versed with the lay of the land.� The trek was
taken in silence, all senses stretched out as far as
possible.� Every three hours they would have a short
ten minute break as Tatewaki called Nabiki.� When they
resumed their hike, Happousai would always take to the
�high road�, effortlessly skipping from one tree
branch to another.

��� Arriving within sight of the guide�s house, the
group stopped to study the area.� Tatewaki again used
the time to inform Nabiki of the situation.�
Happousai, Ranma and Cologne reconnoitered the
surrounding area for possible signs of traps, while
Gosunkugi checked for the presence of any kind of
alarm: magical, spiritual, or otherwise.

�� By the time they had exhaustively confirmed there
wasn�t any, twilight was upon them.

�� Ranma noted that the lights were turned on. �
"Everything�s clear with the exception of the house.�
Apparently somebody�s in there."

�� "Too bad it had to be in a clearing. �I�ll have a
hard time checking the house out even with my ninja
skills."

�� Spotting a figure walking down a path, the two hid
deeper into the foliage.

�� They were alarmed to see the Jusenkyo guide walk
nonchalantly to the house and enter.

�� "What the hell is he thinking."

�� "How the hell should I know."

��� After a few minutes, the guide stepped out of the
house, waved in their direction and went back inside.

�� "That�s the signal.� Let�s go guys."� Dr. Toufu
hurriedly crossed the clearing and entered the house.
� Cologne, Tatewaki and the Jusenkyo guide followed
suit.

�� Ranma frowned, something about what he was seeing
was nagging him.� *Cologne, Tatewaki and the Jusenkyo
guide� Hmmm� Jusenkyo guide?*� "Hey!� Didn�t we
already see the guide enter the house?"

�� "Apparently the first one was Gosunkugi." �
Happousai�s chuckle was self-denigrating, "I wonder
who thought of it."

��� "We won�t find out out here. �Coming?"

�� "I�ll stay here, just in case.� If you hear the
hoot of an owl, we have company."

�� Ranma nodded and dashed to the house.

�� Leaning on a tree, Happousai made sure that his
phone was off.� Crossing his arms, he addressed the
trees, "I�m sure we won�t have any problems keeping an
eye on the place, eh, Konatsu?"

�� In a blur, a kunoichi in a deep crimson ninja
outfit appeared beside him.� Wearing a lacquered mask
that covered the lower part of her face and a broad
headband swathed with sigils, Happousai was hard
pressed to gauge her reaction.� The long bangs of her
hair, obscuring the eyes, didn�t make the task any
easier.

�� Happousai checked her body language.� Her posture
was relaxed, for a ninja.� The aura she was generating
blended perfectly with the surroundings.

�� Happousai sighed, "Don�t worry, Ranma won�t know."

�� She nodded acknowledgement then was gone.

�� Happousai sighed again, turned his phone back on
and disappeared.


                   ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

��� Ranma stepped into a sparsely decorated house.�
"Hey! Where is everybody?" 
�� "We�re in the bedroom."

�� Having mastered the blind-fighting technique, Ranma
used Tatewaki�s voice as the guide to find them.

�� "That was a pretty neat trick Gosunkugi� huh?"

�� Sitting at the four corners of a compass,
Gosunkugi, Dr. Toufu, Cologne, and the guide encircled
Plum, who was sleeping in the center of the room.�
Several strips of paper, each holding different
sigils, lay on her forehead.  There were larger strips
plastered on the four walls, at the center of the door
and window frame, and on the floor and ceiling.

�� The sight he beheld, strange enough as it is,
wasn�t the reason Ranma stopped.� Rather it was the
utter lack of their presence registering on Ranma�s
already hyper senses.� *It feels like entering an
empty room.*� Ranma was proud of the fact that the
various techniques he has mastered had helped sharpen
his senses to the point that very little ever gets by
him, and yet, Gosunkugi has demonstrated time and
again his ability to negate them.

�� A chill passed through Ranma as he realized that
while he was perfecting the art, Gosunkugi had more
than mastered HIS art.� *I wonder if that was part of
the reason Gosunkugi had problems with his now
deceased wife, having spent more time on his studies
than on her.� Good thing Akane also trains in the
Arts.*

�� Tatewaki, softly yet insistently, cleared his
throat.

�� "What?"

�� "It appears that death has been given free leave to
thoroughly trample you."

�� "Geez, couldn�t you find a better metaphor?" *Or at
least say it with less wordy words.*

�� "If you had seen yourself, you would quickly come
to agreement that what I have uttered IS the most
appropriate statement."

�� "That bad huh."

�� "I honestly wish that I had not been given the
opportunity to bear witness.� Although, again in all
honesty, I do not feel anything amiss."

�� Not surprising.� "You don�t find it odd that you
see our companions but SENSE nothing else."

�� "I�m afraid I don�t follow your reasoning.� Perhaps
it is due to the fact that what I feel know brings
back quaint memories of the time I shamelessly pursued
both your wife and yourself.� Your girl form of
course."

�� "Of� course."

�� "Hmmm� Now you have the appearance of one who has
had the unfortunate luck to gaze at a basilisk," His
gaze turned introspective, "Or was it a Medusa�s
head?**� I must admit that my classical education
isn�t as complete as one wishes it to be."

�� So vigorous did Ranma shake his head that it
threatened to hurl him to one side.� "How long do you
think they�ll be like that?"

�� "I haven�t the faintest."

�� Careful not to interrupt the figures in the middle,
Ranma headed to a closet and examined the contents.�
Pleased it contained female clothing, he started to
expertly rummage through it.

�� "If I remember the rumors correctly� Isn�t that a
behavior your former master used to excel in doing?"

�� "It�s not what you think, Tatewaki."

�� "Oh?"

�� "Do something useful, will you?� Call Nabiki and
update her on what�s happened."

�� "Am I given permission to inform Nabiki-chan of
your current activity?"

�� "Don�t you dare."

�� Grinning, Tatewaki detached his phone and spoke
briefly to Nabiki in hushed tones.

�� Finding what he was looking for, Ranma held out a
blouse and skirt combination that had cute frills.�
"This will do."

�� Ending the connection, Tatewaki couldn�t resist
commenting.� "It is rather pleasant to look at Ranma,
but shouldn�t what you are looking for be something
much more intimate than that?"

�� Giving Tatewaki a dirty look, Ranma went to his
backpack, detached a duffel bag that was perched on
it, and headed towards the bathroom.

�� Intrigued, Tatewaki followed him.� In time to catch
a wooden dipper with his face.

�� "Do you mind?"� Ranma would have loved to slam the
bathroom door shut, but feared it would disrupt the
concentration of the group.

�� Tatewaki had just turned around when the bathdoor
opened again.� "Here, try to braid it in the same way
that Plum has her hair done."

�� Looking down at the several locks of clipped black
hair that was handed to him, Tatewaki wondered what
Ranma was up to.� *This shall keep me busy at the
least.*� With a shrug, he picked a comfortable looking
corner and bent himself to the task.

�� So engrossed was he, Tatewaki did not notice
Ranma�s return.

�� "Well, whaddaya think?"

�� Looking up from his work, Tatewaki nearly dropped
the braid.� Ranma-onna was wearing the �borrowed�
dress and had attached the first braid to one side of
her hair.

�� Seeing that the second was nearly done, Ranma-onna
kneeled in front of Tatewaki and took it out of his
hands.� She deftly worked it into the other side.

�� "Black hair, pig-tailed girl?"

�� "Hair dye, Kunou.� That�s why I was in the bathroom
for quite a while."

�� "Ah, I see now.� You are attempting to resemble the
Jusenkyo guide�s daughter, on the possibility that�"

�� "�one of Saffron�s goons decides to check."� She
glanced at the still figures at the middle of the
room. � "I don�t know if this will work or not.� I
just need a good enough disguise to get about the
place.� Whatever happens in here, they�re going to be
very hungry when they come out of whatever it is
they�re in right now."

�� She spun around.

�� "Do you think I�ll fool anyone?"

�� "Aside from her father or her closest friends, any
other person that beheld you would have mistaken you
for Plum, pig-tailed girl."

�� "Really?� Thanks, Kunou." � Giggling merrily,
Ranma-onna hugged Kunou and pecked his cheek. �
Pulling back, she wrinkled her nose.� "Eeeew.� You
smell.� Go take a bath, Kunou.� I�ll go make dinner."

�� Watching a bouncy Ranma-onna exit the room,
Tatewaki wondered why he never noticed that Ranma�s
girl form is virtually unchanged from the very first
time he laid eyes upon her. 

                   ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

�� In the dim-light, Happousai turned the night-vision
goggles over and over.� *I wonder what it�s like to
see in the dark.� Ah, what the heck, why not.� My
other senses should provide ample warning of danger.*

�� Slipping it on, he adjusted the straps and fumbled
around for the on switch.  *Now why did Nabiki forget
to give us the manual for these contraptions.*

�� Without warning, from darkness his whole world
slowly turned a verdant hue.� *Green?*

�� After a few seconds the other colors in the
spectrum appeared - with occasional areas remaining
grey - until what he was looking at appeared to be in
daylight, overcast, but daylight nonetheless.  *Ah. 
That�s more like it.*

�� Numbers and icons then appeared.  *What the?*

�� Turning his head in every direction, he identified
the numbers that indicated to compass heading and
inclination, the rest he couldn�t decipher.�
Concentrating on a grey area, his espied the word ZOOM
at a corner of his vision.� *I wonder how that works?*

�� Nearly falling of his perch when his view magnified
in on the grey area, which turned out to be Konatsu.
*I�ll be damned.� Thought controlled?*

�� Although an all grey figure surrounded in color,
there was a lot of detail to pick out.� *O-kay, let�s
zoom in on her face.*

�� The goggles remained in the same magnification. 
*Hmmm� The word ZOOM has turned in to a bunch of
numbers with a plus sign before it.  Okay, let�s try a
higher number.*� Again nothing happened.

�� *Hmmm� Will it go back to zero?*� Like before, the
goggles stayed in the same magnification.

�� *Wait a minute, I had glanced at the word ZOOM the
first time.*� He looked at the numbers then focused at
Konatsu�s face.

�� *Alright!*� Happousai watched in fascination as the
goggles magnified on her face.� His exultation was
short lived though, the goggles kept on magnifying at
an alarming rate.� In horror, Happousai shut his eyes.

�� Cracking them open slightly, he was looking at her
well-defined eyes.� It seemed to be glaring at him.�
Abruptly the grey disappeared and he was left with the
bark detail of the tree Konatsu was on.  *Hey! 
Where�d she go?*

�� Glancing at ZOOM, Happousai unfocused his eyes. �
The magnification reversed and was soon back at the
normal view.  *At least that worked as intended.� Now,
where did Konatsu go off to?*

�� Looking around he spotted two grey areas close to
each other.� *Let�s see what is there to see.� Okay,
one of them is Konatsu� and the other is someone who
is oblivious of Konatsu�s presence. Hmmm. � Where have
I seen a man wearing baggy clothing with an animal fur
draped over it? � More to the point, what could he be
looking at that would demand his full attention.*

�� Following the figure�s line of sight, Happousai saw
it led to the guide�s kitchen.  *Oho!� What have we
here?*

�� Inside, a twin-ponytail raven-haired teenage girl
was preparing dinner.  *Plum or Ranma-chan?*

�� Zooming in on the window, he studied the girl. �
*Apparently, Gosunkugi used his illusions to make
Ranma-chan look like Plum. � If I didn�t know better
THAT is Plum, but she moves too much like Ranma-chan.
� Heh.� After all, there�s only so much a spell can
do.*

�� One mystery solved, Happousai returned his gaze on
the figure.  *This night-vision thing is sure useful.�
Let�s get more detail shall we?� Hmmm� old fashioned
curved sword.� Hmmm� �head� of fur used like a cap.�
Dammit, I know Cologne told me something about this
joker.*

�� *Time for a little experiment.� First off, I need a
different tree.� Ah, there�s a likely one.*� Switching
to a tree that had a forked crook, Happousai peered
out of it.

�� *Here goes nothing.*� Expending as little energy as
possible, he took a quick peek at the figure�s aura.

�� Just as he suspected, the figure sensed the probe
and looking around wildly.  *Uh-oh, he�s looking up.�
Oh good, Konatsu�s no longer there.� Whew.*

�� Sensing nothing, the figure moved off to another
vantage point and resumed his unwavering gaze at
Ranma-onna.  *That was a close one.*

�� Slowly Happousai started to breathe.  *Now, how do
I get rid of this guy?� His fighting aura�s
impressive; brute animal strength and stamina.� In
physical combat, it would be a close match.� I�d
definitely have the advantage but it might take too
long to eliminate him.  Any of my chi-based attacks
would be spotted for miles.*

�� *I could try using Genma�s thief techniques, but
would it work against someone like him?� Damn.� I need
some way of distracting him long enough to get close.�
There�s always Konatsu, but then she�d be placed in
jeopardy.*  Pulling out a shuriken, he flip-flopped it
over his fingers.� *Several of these would not be
enough, even poisoned.� He�ll most likely shrug it off
anyway.*

�� Tucking it away, his hand brushed the phone secured
to his belt.  *Of course!*



�� Moving downwind, Happousai kept a wary eye on the
figure as he pressed the transmit button and hooted
softly.� Ranma-onna glanced out the window but kept on
working.� To make sure that Ranma-onna got the message
he hooted again.

�� "Happousai, Tatewaki here.� Is there a problem?"�
Happousai was thankful that Tatewaki spoke in a
whisper.

�� "We have a visitor, wears baggy clothes that�s
draped with fur, carries a curved sword, powerful
battle aura." �Ranma-onna stopped briefly, then
covered the motion by pretending to pick up something
dropped.� "He also seems engrossed at what Ranma-chan
is doing."

�� In response, Ranma wiped her brow with her arm and
picked up a fan.� Fanning herself, she started to
unbutton her blouse.

�� "Ranma!"� Happousai hissed, "What� are� you�
doing?"

�� Again it was Tatewaki who replied.� "That man is
from the Musk Dynas�"

�� In a flash, Happousai remembered everything
Cologne�s told him about them.� "Sorry to interrupt,
Tatewaki.� Try to tell Ranma-chan to keep him
distracted."

�� Cutting off the connection before hearing
Tatewaki�s response, Happousai stealthily advanced
towards the man from Musk, all the while scanning the
immediate surroundings for any other tell tale signs
of grey.� He spotted Konatsu and signed that she stay
put, surprisingly she signed back that she understood.

�� Glancing at Ranma-onna�s performance, he saw the
top half of her blouse were now unbuttoned and that
part of her cleavage was clearly seen, the man from
Musk licked his lips.

�� Still fanning herself, Ranma-onna went to the
window, all of Happousai�s attention was now riveted
on the man from Musk and what he would do next.

�� Ranma-onna leaned out the window, the man from Musk
stretched his head forward, trying to get a closer
look.   She took in a deep breath of air and her
breasts popped out of the blouse.

�� Like a stiff breeze, Happousai dashed to the man
from Musk and in one uninterrupted motion, snatched
his sword and lopped his head off. � Tossing the sword
into the air, he produced a small ball of chi energy
in each hand.� One hand caught the head, neck down on
his palm, and sealed off the veins before blood could
pour out; the other was slammed over the stump of the
neck, cauterizing flesh.� Pushing off from the body,
he spun in the air and caught the sword. � Landing, he
wiped the sword clean using the dead man�s shirt.

�� Not even winded, Happousai looked at the fresh
corpse.� *At least he died happy.*� "Thank you,
Ranma-chan. � He�s been dealt with."

�� "Do you require assistance in dealing with the
prisoner?"

�� "No prisoner, just a corpse.  I�ll have to dispose
of the body.� Tatewaki, you�re on guard duty, and use
the goggles." � He sensed Konatsu�s arrival a fraction
of a second before she showed up. � Happousai
disconnected the phone.

�� "Impressive.� What do you do for an encore?"

�� Tossing the head and the sword to the kunoichi,
Happousai picked up the body and draped it on a
shoulder.� "Make the body disappear, what else."

�� "How about the pools."

�� "Would you want to jump into pool of murdered Musk
dynasty man?"

�� "I think I�ll pass."

�� "Between the two of us, we should be able to hide
the evidence until the end of time."

�� Together, shinobi and kunoichi bounded away. 

                   ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

�� "He said corpse, didn�t he?" � Tatewaki was trying
to keep his face from showing distaste.� He wasn�t all
too successful.

�� Ranma-onna was busy buttoning up the blouse and
doing finishing touches to the meal.� "If it�s all
right with you, let�s mention it after they�ve eaten,
okay?"

�� "Ranma?"

�� "Hmmm?"

�� "Have you ever killed anyone?"

�� "No.� Have you?"

�� Tatewaki shook his head.� "I fear that when the
moment comes that I must do such a vile and despicable
act� I�"

�� "Won�t be able to kill?"

�� "Yes."

�� "Then don�t.� In some of my previous battles, there
were times I was so furious that I could have gladly
killed, but in the end I spared their lives anyway.� I
still don�t know why.� Perhaps my compassion got the
better of me?"

�� "I daresay that must have been it. �Although there
is nothing wrong in being humane, I think� nay, I know
it so, that it makes you a better man."

�� "Reminds me of something that happened before. �It
was two years after my marriage and I had participated
in a martial arts tournament, no school of one thing
or another, just pure martial arts.� Kumon Ryu had
also joined.� After watching me fight, he commented
that I didn�t have the �killer instinct�.� To prove
his point he soundly thrashed his opponents in mere
seconds."

�� "You could have done the same."

�� "I�m not so sure.� I guess to Kumon-san it was the
victory that was important.� To me it was the art
itself.   I don�t know if you�ll be able to understand
how I felt then.  I fought against opponents trained
in THE martial arts, not rhythm gymnastics or ice
skating or tea ceremony or any of those other
ridiculous styles, but in the pure style.� It felt so
refreshing that I actually cared less on winning and
more on enjoying myself.� That was also one of the few
time I lost."

�� "Knowing you and your tenacious nature, you reached
the top on the succeeding year."

�� Ranma-onna grinned.� "Nope. �After that tournament
several of the dojo masters I�d defeated enjoyed our
sparring so much that they banded together and
proposed a second tournament be created. �Just like
the main tournament, opponents faced off each other,
the difference being an emphasis on how the duel was
fought and not the outcome.� There was no trophy or
cash prize, just the honor that the name of the school
is used to represent the second tournament."

�� "Wouldn�t they tire of hearing the name The
Anything Goes Martial Arts School year after year?"

�� "They saw the possibility of that happening, so a
clause was created.� If a school wins the tournament
three years in a row, that school is then elevated
into a higher status, and allowed only to participate
against the new winner or other elevated schools.� So
the new winner of the tournament would still fight me,
but win or lose, his or her school would still be
used."

�� "How many other schools have joined you in the
status of the elevated."

�� "Two."

�� "An interesting anecdote, and yet I fail to discern
the point you�re trying to get across."

�� "If I had fought like Kumon-san, then there
wouldn�t have been a second tournament.� The second
tournament was what made the Saotome-Tendou dojo of
The Anything Goes Martial Arts School popular in the
martial arts circle.� Ironically, more and more
schools sign up for the cash-less, trophy-less second
tournament than on the first."

�� "Ah."

�� "Hungry?"

�� Tatewaki stood up and stretched. �"We�ve spent far
too long chatting, I don�t want Happousai to accuse me
of being remiss in my duties."

�� "Okay, if you wanna talk there�s always the
phones."

�� Heading out of the kitchen, Tatewaki paused at the
door.� "Ranma."

�� "Yes, Kunou?"

�� "Thank you."

�� "For what?"

�� "For reminding me that I must forever remain the
honorable Samurai."

�� Ranma-onna beamed.� "You�d be the greatest."

�� Tatewaki smiled back at her and took a step.

�� "Kunou?"

�� "Yes, Ranma?"

�� "Do you mind if you still called me pig-tailed
girl?"

�� A long pause. Ranma-onna slowly chewed her lower
lip.  Tatewaki turned and gazed at her, a mix of
amusement, appreciation and admiration.� "No.� I
wouldn�t mind at all, pig-tailed� goddess."� With a
flourish he left the kitchen. 

                   ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

�� Chopping up the corpse into several manageable
sections, Happousai and Konatsu took their time hiding
them in thoroughly inaccessible areas.� This gave
Happousai the opportunity to try and figure out
Konatsu�s involvement in their quest.� Asking her
bluntly didn�t seem to be a smart move.

�� *Perhaps an innocent query would be a good
icebreaker.*  "How is it that you can see in the
dark?� I�m wearing Nabiki�s military night-goggles."

�� Konatsu tapped the lacquered mask.� "There is a
reason why I�m wearing this ugly thing.� Not only is
the dark penetrated, I can also see through
illusions."

�� "Wanna swap?� Mine can zoom in on distant objects
or persons and other stuff that I don�t know about."

�� "Sounds interesting, but I can�t. �The mask IS
designed for kunoichi�"

�� "I see your problem.� Unless I jump into spring of
drowned girl�"

�� "You going to?"

�� "Uh-uh, not me.� After seeing what�s happened to
Ranma, I�d rather not."

�� "Too bad.� It�s fun."

�� "No thanks.� My turn to pass."

�� Landing on a branch, Happousai felt it give.
�Turning around to warn Konatsu, he saw that it was
too late, she was about to land beside him.

��� With a resounding crack the branch broke off.
�Happousai wrapped a chain around the trunk and dug
the attendant sickle into the bark as he reached out
to catch her.

    Having barely landed, Konatsu had no chance of
saving herself. � Feeling Happousai�s arm shoot into
her tunic, Konatsu hoped that he wouldn�t react in the
normal manner.� Just in case, she held on to his arm
for dear life.

�� An eternity passed as they hung by a chain and
sickle.� Happousai had neither released her nor
loosened his grip, if anything he seemed to have
frozen in place.

�� "Happy Happy?� Circumstances not withstanding, I�d
say you�re trying to pull a fast one."� She turned her
head to face him.� Hidden by her mask, a smile was on
her lips.

�� "Uh, Konatsu," He seemed to have trouble breathing,
"Your chest� it� it isn�t flat."

�� "Of course it isn�t flat, silly.� I told you that
the mask is only for a FEMALE ninja."

�� The eyeballs swiveled to look at her, his head was
still stuck in the same pose.� "You didn�t jump into�"

�� She raised an eyebrow.  "What do you think."

�� Another eternity passed.� Konatsu didn�t mind, his
warm muscular arms was giving her tingling sensations,
he smelled very manly and the slight swaying motion
was kinda� kinky.

�� "Konatsu, will you be able to land safely if I let
go."

�� *Spoilsport.*� She glanced down. Roughly twenty
feet.� "Bombs away."

�� Happousai pulled his arm out so fast Konatsu felt a
breeze across her breasts.

�� Landing beside her, Happousai prostrated himself.
�"Forgive me.� I didn�t know� or rather, you did tell
me but I didn�t realize� I mean�"

�� "Oh get up, Happousai.� I know you have no
interests in me or my breasts."

�� Happousai still had his head touching the ground.

�� Konatsu kneeled in front of him and lifted his
chin. "I must admit though that being copped-a-feel by
a teenager could be so� so erotic.� Now I know how Ms.
Hinako felt when Ranma was all over her." �Teasingly,
she pulled her tunic tight to show the indentation on
it. �"See! My nipples are hard."

�� Happousai started banging his head in time to his
chanted apology.� "I�m sorry, I�m sorry, I�m sorry,
I�m sorry, I�m sorry, I�m sorry�"

�� Ignoring the confused boy, Konatsu continued her
teasing.� "If there�s any one you should go after it�d
be Cologne."

�� Happousai looked up at her, shock on his
dirt-encrusted face.� "No.� We�re not like that.�
After what we had gone through together, we�re good
friends, maybe even the best of friends, but nothing
more."

�� "Granted, that may be the case, but you two now
have the bodies of teenagers and the hormones are
taking over."

�� "Noooooooo."� Wrenching to his feet, Happousai ran
off into the night. 

                   ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

�� Getting out of her bedroll, Ranma-onna fumbled
around her backpack and put on a headset.� "What the
heck was that, Kunou?"

�� "I haven�t the foggiest idea, pig-tailed goddess.�
Perhaps a wolf?" 

                   ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

�� Midnight.� Gosunkugi came off his trance and
surveyed the room.� His companions were all slumped in
exhaustion.� The Jusenkyo guide had protectively
draped himself over Plum.� Dr. Toufu was flat on his
back. � Cologne had propped her head on her arms at
the edge of the bed.� An empty bedroll was laid open
near the window.

�� Standing up slowly, he heard noises coming from the
kitchen and carefully headed towards it.� Peering in,
he saw Ranma-onna, wearing a dress, watching a large
tea-kettle on the stove.� Ever so often, she would nod
off, then jerk awake.

�� Pulling out a small glass disc, Gosunkugi incanted
something softly then peered through it.� Ranma-onna
was now replaced by an image of Plum.  *Good.� The
Blanket Of Obfuscation worked.� Never thought I could
pull off an unrelated spells in the middle of a rite,
but every thing looks right.� Time to wake Ranma up.*

�� "They say a watched pot never boils."

�� Ranma-onna was instantly on her feet and in a
defensive posture, her movement hardly slothful.� She
relaxed when Gosunkugi stepped into the kitchen.

�� "Geez, don�t do that, wilya."

�� "My apologies.� Thought it would wake you up."

�� "No kidding.� My heart�s still pounding."

�� "Nothing like a good adrenaline rush."

�� "Uh, yeah.� You did it again, you know."

�� "Did what?"

�� "Nevermind.� Hungry?� I prepared some food."

�� "I�ll wait for the hot water."

�� "Uh, that�s not exactly for tea."

�� "Oh.� Returning to your man form?"

�� "Yeah.� Kunou�s outside, guarding the place.� He
should be pretty tired by now, so I thought I�d
relieve him."

�� "Where�s Happousai?"

�� "Hasn�t returned."

�� "Returned?� From where?"

�� "From hiding the corpse."

�� "Corpse?"

�� "Oh yeah, you wouldn�t know. � Earlier, someone
from the Musk Dynasty was watching the house, or
rather �Plum�."� She jerked a thumb at herself.� "I
kept him distracted long enough for Happousai to deal
with him."

�� "Ah."

�� Filling up a smaller kettle, Ranma-onna replaced
the big one.� "If you can�t wait for the water to
boil, the food�s in the wok and the steamer."

�� Carrying the large kettle of hot water, she headed
to the room.



�� It was early morning before the others, with the
exception of Plum, awoke to the smell of freshly made
tea.

�� Stretching, Cologne took in a lungful of the
pleasant aroma.� "Mmmmm.� Now that�s something worth
waking up to."

�� Dr. Toufu was busy examining the still recumbent
Plum.� "No arguments there."

�� "Ai-ya.� Why daughter not wake up?"

�� Dr. Toufu answered in Chinese.� "The drug that I
had Gosunkugi inject into her hasn�t lost it�s potency
yet.   Most of the patients I had administered to
would sleep soundly for roughly twenty-four hours.  So
sometime in the afternoon, she should start to stir."�
Cologne�s look of surprise was cute.� The relief that
replaced the worry on the guide�s face was gratifying.

�� Dr. Toufu gave his best optimistic smile. � Seeing
Cologne compose herself and head out, he stood up.�
"Coming?"

�� The guide shook his head.� "Perhaps later," He
tenderly stroked his daughter�s hair, "I don�t really
spend too much time with her.� It only feels like
yesterday that she was a little girl."

�� "Would you like some tea brought to you?"

�� "If it�s no bother."

�� "No, not a bother at all."

�� Entering the crowded kitchen, Dr. Toufu poured two
cups of tea.� He picked one up.

�� "Hey doc, Cologne tells me that you can speak
Mandarin."

�� "Useful in my line of work, Ranma..." �He went back
to the room.

�� Dr. Toufu resumed where he had left off, as if
there wasn�t any interruption, on his return.� "After
all, a good portion of the things I know originally
came from here."

�� "That makes sense."

�� "I don�t see Happousai around."

�� Ranma snapped his head towards the window. � "He�s
out there again, keeping an eye out."

�� Dr. Toufu picked up the other cup he had poured,
and leaned on a wall.

�� "What�s with the braids on the sides of your head."

�� Ranma tugged at one of them.� "It�s part of the
disguise I wore last night.� I�m not removing it just
in case I need to impersonate Plum again."

�� "I see."

�� "Anyway, good thing you�re here. � What�s your take
on how to deal with Herb and his merry gang from
Musk?"

�� "Gosunkugi informed you?"

�� "Yeah, as Gosunkugi suspected, the brainwashing was
pretty subtle.� That Saffron�s one hell of a bastard.�
Setting this place up as an ambush, knowing we�d
eventually check up on her.� Thanks to Gosunkugi, we
have this breather."

�� "Did he mention the poison."

�� "Poison?"� An accusatory glare was shot at
Gosunkugi.� Gosunkugi sipped his tea, unperturbed.

�� "Aside from Plum informing the Musk dynasty of our
presence, through the mental link that Saffron had
placed, she was also to �insist� we partake of a
meal.� One of the ingredients would have been a slow
acting poison that would have weakened us sufficiently
when Herb�s company arrives."

�� "Damn that Saffron, that�s low, even for him."

�� "It was pointless to mention the poison, the threat
was neutralized.� Out of sight, out of mind."�
Gosunkugi reasoned.

�� Dr. Toufu poured another cup.� "My call would be to
avoid this one."

�� "They already know that her father has passed by.�
I guess that�s the reason we now have uninvited
�guests�."

�� "If we stay and fight Herb, he might delay us long
enough for Saffron�s troops to provide reinforcement."

�� "We can�t leave the guide and his daughter at
Herb�s mercy."

�� "What if we take them with us."

�� "We�d be one fighter less."

�� "What�s your plan?"

�� "Ambush the ambusher."

�� "How will we know where they are?"

�� "Gosunkugi drops the spell when we know that one of
Herb�s men is around.� The guy will most likely rush
back to tell his boss.� We follow him and nail them
before they can get organized."

�� Dr. Toufu looked at the others.� "Hmm. You seem
dead set on your plan.� I take it you�ve all agreed?"

�� "Short of Cologne."

�� "Cologne?"

�� All eyes were on her.

�� "I have a favor to ask."

�� "You got it."

�� "Hold on for a sec, guys.� I haven�t even told you
what the favor is."

�� "Okay."� Ranma�s grin was infuriatingly
accommodating, "What is it?"

�� "When we attack, we spare no one.� All must die."

�� Ranma�s grin didn�t falter, although an eyebrow was
raised.

�� "Cologne, need I remind you that we are warriors,
not assassins."� Tatewaki�s voice was frosty, "If our
defeated foes ask for mercy, we must follow the
honorable path."

�� "Would you call it honorable to keep women
enslaved, to be used as a receptacle to satiate your
lust or when the need to further your line is strong?"

�� "Barbaric.� Is what you are implying...?"

�� "That�s what the Musk dynasty does.  Aside from
Herb, the others still follow their tradition of
finding an animal whose trait you desire for your
offspring, dunking a female representative into a
nyannichuan, then locking her in the female state with
the Chisuiton.� The poor creature is then used however
they desire."

�� "Can you really claim the moral high ground? � You
yourself had admitted that your ancestors conducted
themselves in a similar vein."

�� "Yes.� My ancestors did immerse male animals into
the nannichuan.� However they also �talked� with the
animal in question beforehand.� The process was
voluntary and my ancestors never locked the creature
in his new state.� If �he� stayed, they would teach
�him� what was needed so that he became a productive
member of the village."

�� "More like the Amazon�s version of how a man should
behave."

�� "I�m not going to debate with you about that,
Tatewaki."

�� She paused to gather her argument. �"Here�s my
final justification.� The Musk dynasty had gone as far
as kidnapping a male martial artist and using the
Chisuiton on him.� They made sure that the new bride
had no opportunity to kill herself, although several
had succeeded even with the dynasty�s �best� efforts."

�� Appalled, Tatewaki�s mouth hung open.

�� "How do you know all this, especially about the
male martial artists?"� A question more out of
curiosity than suspicion.

�� "Every matriarch is told this, Ranma-kun. �
Whenever someone from our village disappears, male or
female, the first place we would send a scouting party
to is the Musk dynasty.� More often than not, they�re
the guilty party."

�� "If we kill all the males, what will happen to the
womenfolk?"

�� "I�ll bring them to the village."

�� "But you�ve been barred from ever entering your
village."

�� "Upon the pain of death, Ranma.� I am more than
aware of what I am getting myself into.� This
opportunity will only happen once, I intend to take it
as far as possible."

�� "Okay, for the moment let�s say that you�re allowed
to bring the women to your tribe, then what?"

�� "If there is hope that we can teach the women to
come to grips with their new life we will, if not�"

�� "You�ll kill them?"

�� "A far more merciful alternative than letting them
live in fear and misery."

�� "Can�t you�?"

�� "Unlock the change and let them revert to their
original form?� That won�t erase their memory of
what�s been done to them."

�� "Exactly�"

�� "What?� Are you crazy, Ranma!� Do you want to
unleash a horde of man killers in China?"

�� "Let me finish.� What I meant to say was that your
tribe knows the secret of erasing memory.� Do that to
the women of Musk while they�re still human.� Wouldn�t
it be easier to teach them afterwards when they have
less trauma to deal with?"

�� "My apologies, Ranma-kun.� I never thought of
that.� You may have something there.� I don�t know if
it would work but, assuming I�m allowed back, I�ll
look into it."

�� Ranma glanced at the others for additional remarks.

�� Tatewaki muttered, "So much for being the honorable
Samurai."

�� "It is honorable, Tatewaki.� A Samurai should
always protect the weak, the innocent, the helpless,
and in the process punish the guilty.� If you need
motivation, try to imagine being turned into a girl,
forever, and abused by those bastards, or worse yet,
they also kidnapped Nabiki-chan so that they can have
�fun�, or�"

�� "Enough, Ranma!� Enough.� By my honor and by my
blade and all that I hold sacred and dear, I swear,
that I, Kunou Tatewaki, The Blue Thunder of Nerima,
will not rest until every and all representatives of
the evil Musk dynasty have been eliminated.� This I
pledge and not even death will hinder me in my cause."

�� "A bit melodramatic, but I take it that means yes?�
Gosunkugi?"

�� Gosunkugi again had that LOOK in his eyes.
�"Death."

�� "Doc?"

�� A thumbs up.

�� Ranma looked back at Cologne.� "Does Happousai know
how you feel about the Musk Dynasty."

�� "Yes."

�� "That would explain his actions."

�� "Why?� What did he do?"

�� "Someone from the Musk dynasty was here yesterday,
watching me, as Plum, cooking.� Happousai asked me to
keep him distracted and used the opportunity to kill
him.� Kill, not overpower.� He hasn�t talked about it
yet, but I�m more or less sure that he didn�t give the
guy a chance."

�� "Good for Happy.� They�re vermin� no, they�re worse
than that, they�re parasites."

�� "That�s it then, get as much rest as possible,
gang.� From my previous experience, the Musk dynasty
warriors are tough.� Tonight is going to be hell on
all of us."

                   ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

�� "Happousai here, our guest has arrived."

�� "We need him alive in order for the plan to work,
try not to be overzealous.� Ranma out."

�� "Easy for him to say," Happousai muttered, "Who
ever heard of a sloppy ninja."

�� Happousai watched for several frustrating minutes
as the Musk dynasty warrior cautiously creeped to what
apparently was their favorite spot for ogling.� Just
as he settled down, Happousai leapt off the tree.� At
the same time Gosunkugi revoked his obscuring spell.

�� Even with his senses bombarded by the sudden
appearance of Ranma�s company, the warrior recognized
Happousai as the immediate threat.� Springing back
seconds before Happousai would have made contact, the
warrior deftly put on a set of three pronged tiger
claws and launched himself at Happousai.

�� Happousai smiled.  *Good, I don�t have to hold back
too much.*� Blocking the claws with a pair of sais, he
twisted his wrists and broke several of the blades
off.

�� Undaunted, the warrior executed a flip kick. �
Nearly clipping his chin, Happousai was forced to back
off.� Completing the flip, the warrior rushed
Happousai the moment he touched ground. Like before,
Happousai met the attack, and broke off the remaining
claws.� The warrior again did a flip kick.� This time
Happousai was prepared for the attack and had already
released his sais. � He caught and trapped the leading
leg with his arms and used the momentum to hurl the
warrior over his shoulder.

�� Twisting in the air, the warrior barely managed to
land unharmed.� Hearing footsteps behind him,
Happousai saw the warrior reach the �correct�
decision.� Hurling his destroyed weapons at Happousai,
the warrior ran away.

�� In seconds, Ranma-onna, wearing boxer shorts, a
loosely-tied karate Gi and kung-fu shoes, dashed by.�
A half step behind was Tatewaki, in his traditional
haori/hakama combination, two swords held down by one
hand, while the other poised over the hilt.� Then
Gosunkugi, his greatcoat billowing, as he more hopped
than ran.

�� Glancing to his left and up, he saw the blurred
outline of Konatsu keeping pace with the fleeing
warrior as she stayed among the trees.

�� "What are you waiting for?"� Cologne snapped as she
and Plum went by.� Cologne was carrying her old
�walking� staff and an umbrella, Plum, a
well-sharpened pole-arm.� Both wore identical looking,
figure-hugging, sleeveless Chinese shirts and
trousers.� Only when Dr. Toufu, wearing a black karate
outfit and a slung shoulder bag, and the Jusenkyo
guide, in his standard uniform and also carrying a
shoulder bag, had passed did Happousai move.



�� Catching up to Ranma, Happousai gave out
instructions via the phones.� "We do a basic pincer
attack.  Ranma, Tatewaki and Gosunkugi are the main
thrust.� I�ll be to the left, Cologne and Plum at the
right, forming the pincers.� Dr. Toufu and the guide
are back-up and will eliminate any survivors.� Any
last instructions, Ranma?"

�� "From what I remember with my fight with Herb, his
henchmen relied heavily on strength.� Let�s assume
that�s the norm and adjust our attacks for speed.� I
don�t think we can afford a slugging match. � That�s
it."

�� The first three slowed their pace slightly to let
Happousai, Cologne and Plum get ahead.� Happousai
dashed into the forest and was soon impossible to
spot. Cologne picked up Plum and sped up.� She was a
barely perceptible blur.� The three increased their
pace.� Dr. Toufu and the guide maintained theirs.

�� After a couple more minutes of pursuit, the group
sensed, more or less at the same time, a powerful aura
that smothered the immediate surrounding.� Even before
Ranma-onna heard Happousai�s prompting, she silently
charged up a chi blast and let it fly at their
�guide�.

�� Before the warrior could shout out a warning to his
companions, Ranma�s energy attack engulfed him.�
Mercifully, the pain didn�t register as he swiftly
turned to ash.

�� "That should catch their attention." � Ranma
removed her Gi and tied it around her waist.� She
grinned at her companions.� "This will keep them
distracted a little longer."

�� Neither Tatewaki nor Gosunkugi bothered to comment.


                   ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

��� Wondering what the glow was about, none of the
Musk dynasty warriors were aware of the presence of
the two arms of the pincer.



�� "Cologne, at my signal."� He took out several dozen
shurikens and slowly charged them.� Konatsu kept an
eye out in case Happousai�s slight release of energy
was noticed.

�� All were facing Ranma�s group.� A quick glance told
Happousai why.

�� "Cologne, you and Plum should bare your breasts."�
He tried to sound as apologetic as possible.

�� A pause.� "Understood."

 � He handed half of the special shurikens to Konatsu
and pulled out a second batch. Konatsu did likewise.�
With a nod to his companion, they hurled both the
chi-powered throwing stars and the normal ones in a
rapid fire blur.



�� Seeing the flight of deadly stars coming out of the
trees, Cologne spotted several warriors that weren�t
in the shuriken�s range and tapped the ground
repeatedly with her staff.� Nodding to Plum, the two
split up.



�� One moment the warriors of the Musk Dynasty were
watching a cute half naked girl running towards them,
her breasts bouncing healthily, the next moment
several of their comrades had collapsed.� The air
suddenly full of throwing stars, the sound made in
passing akin to maddened bees.� To add to the
confusion, a good number of the shurikens exploded,
hurling shrapnel downward. � The warriors that were
struck writhed in pain,�although none were seriously
hurt.

�� Then five of the warriors detonated simultaneously,
spraying the area with blood, guts, gristle and other
body parts. 

                   ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

���*Woah!*  Ranma-onna had only time to give out that
single comment and she was among the Musk Dynasty
warriors.� Charging her hands with two different
colored chi, she clapped the two together at arms�
length.� A bright flash erupted from the hands and a
wave of energy spread out in a rainbow-colored
coruscating circle.� Going through the nearest
warriors, as one they all went rigid and collapsed.

�� Not able to admire her handiwork, Ranma-onna fell
on her back to avoid an attack and formed a rough
circle with her fingers.� She completely drained her
attacker of not only his fighting aura but his life
essence as well.� As the lifeless shell fell on top of
her, she kicked it upward and used the momentum to
carry her onto her feet.� Spinning around, she
released the gathered energy at another warrior
rushing towards her.� The warrior disintegrated in a
soundless flash.

�� Several of the faster warriors tried to dogpile on
her.� Ranma-onna again absorbed their fighting aura
and used it to augment The Awakened Dragon.� The
crisped hapless warriors were hurled into the
stratosphere, never to be seen again.� Glancing at
Tatewaki, and his circle of dead opponents, she saw
that he would be able to handle the rest.

�� Suddenly, an ogre of a man rose up behind her. �He
had several shurikens imbedded in his flesh and had a
crazed look in his eyes. �Spotting her, he let out a
earth-shaking roar and snapped his fist downward,
creating a minor sonic boom.

�� Leaping at him, Ranma-onna ran up his arms and
slapped her palm at the general area where his heart
would be.� A blinding flash of red shot out of the
seams of his armor.� The ogre staggered several steps
back, his eyes rolling up in their sockets.�
Ranma-onna used the ogre as a launching platform and
bounded off, looking for Herb.� Propelled forward by
Ranma-onna�s kick, the ogre, wreathed in red hazy
smoke, fell on his face, his chest plate crumpling
inward - like tinfoil - on impact.

                   ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

�� Having been forewarned by Ranma,�Tatewaki, with a
helpful boost from Gosunkugi, flew over Ranma-onna and
her deadly ring of alternating chi energy.� Landing
among several shuriken studded warriors, he pulled out
a Katana in a fast draw, smoothly incorporating a
quick pirouette. � Shifting the blade to his other
hand, he pulled out its companion as the cleaved
warriors gracelessly slumped to the ground.

�� Several swordsmen charged him, their chi-augmented
swords glowing.� Sneering, he held his ground as a
faint blue aura enveloped him. � With a long drawn out
shout, Tatewaki rapidly thrust the swords at his
opponent with blinding speed as he started to walk
forward in a drunken-random manner.

�� The lead swordsman never had a chance, he was
pincushioned to death.� The others tried to parry the
multiple attacks but was only successful with the
first thousand strikes or so.� The combination of
devastating shards of air pressure and the blades
themselves turned them into mincemeat.

�� By his unprotected side several blades of light
headed his way.

�� Abruptly ending the sequence, Tatewaki deftly
blocked the hail of thrown daggers with flicks of his
wrist.� Each block caused a flash as the daggers fell
to the ground.� Gradually increasing the strength of
the blue aura, Tatewaki calmly uttered a single word.�
His aura leaped into the sky. �The knife-throwers
pulled out larger knives, all curves and gleaming
edges, and attacked.� A low menacing rumble
reverberated from the heavens and lightning shot out
down towards Tatewaki.

�� Calmly crossing his Katana, Tatewaki allowed
himself to be knifed several times when the charged
bolt of ionized energy struck. �The ones closest to
Tatewaki disappeared in a flash of actinic white and
an earth-shattering rumble.� Deflected by the Katana,
the re-directed lightning continued unhindered and
struck several more warriors, each going up in a blaze
of purity, reducing them to fine ash.

�� Morale broken, a warrior fled.� With barely a
glance, Tatewaki stuck one of his swords into the
ground.  His aura ran down the blade into earth and
chased the fast-moving coward.� The blue energy
slammed at its target and he was shredded by several
vertical cuts.

�� Aura dying out, Tatewaki fell on one knee, Katana
at his sides.� A half circle of warriors warily
advanced on him, forming an impressive wall of
gleaming steel.

�� Looking up, Tatewaki favored them death�s grin. �
"Come, foul creatures, bring your misbegotten lives to
me and face the wrath of Kunou Tatewaki, THE BLUE
THUNDER OF NERIMA."� Eyes flashing, his blue aura
flared up, twice as strong.

�� They broke rank in panic.

�� With a shout, Tatewaki carved a double half circle
on the ground with opposite strokes.� Faster than the
eye could follow, from blade to ground the aura shot
out wherever a warrior ran.� Streaking towards the
enemy, the earth heaved with incredible ferocity.�
Several hundred bits of razor-sharp rocks shot through
their bodies, enough to still them.

�� Still in his kneeled position, arms flung out and
blades pointed away, Tatewaki started to chuckle.�
Standing shakily, it increased in volume and speed.�
Laughing maniacally, the modern-day Samurai looked for
more to eliminate.

                   ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

�� Having only �normal� martial arts skills, Plum was
in trouble.� Having split up from Cologne, she had
speared several warriors before being overwhelmed and
cornered against a tree.� She had managed to keep them
at bay, but at a cost.� Her shirt was ripped in
several places, the shirt front in tatters.

�� Her opponents paused, looked at each other, and
attacked in alarming synchronicity.� Plum fought them
off valiantly but several got through.� She felt the
blades slice off the shoulder straps of her brassiere
and could do nothing about it.� When the cups were
separated and her breasts bared, Plum reacted
automatically and tried to hide them with her hands.�
In the process, the legs of her trousers were neatly
sliced off.� Realizing that they were playing with
her, their manic look of lust nearly paralyzed her in
fright.

�� Grinning lewdly, the warriors again did a
synchronized attack.� Deftly moving her pole-arm
through sheer desperation, she managed to block most
of the attacks but it wasn�t enough.� Her trousers was
first completely shredded, then one of her panty�s leg
garter was cut.� Finally the waist garter was severed
and Plum felt the panty fold open and slide down her
leg. � She knew that if she made any move to cover
herself, they would disarm her. �She didn�t want to
think of what would happen next, but knew it was
inevitable.� Seeing the warriors drink in the sight of
her naked body, Plum wondered if she could use the
distraction to escape.

�� Rising up behind her tormentors like a wraith,
Gosunkugi soundly slapped each one on the back.� As if
electrocuted, the warriors arched their bodies and
fell to their knees, convulsing.� Each had a glowing
strip of paper centered on their back.

�� Shoving them aside with his foot, Gosunkugi kept
his haunting gaze on her face as he removed his
greatcoat.� "Here, cover yourself."

�� Plum stepped forward and thrust her pole-arm at
Gosunkugi.

�� Skewering a very stunned warrior behind him.

�� Turning around, Gosunkugi picked up the skewered
warrior�s sword and chopped up the hem of his coat.�
He handed the coat over his shoulder.� Discarding her
ruined clothing, Plum accepted Gosunkugi�s greatcoat
with nervous hands.� The adrenaline rush leaving her,
Plum started to tremble.� She buttoned the greatcoat
all the way down to the chopped off hem and cinched
the belt tight.

�� "Th� Thank you, Gosunkugi-san.  I� I don�t know
what� would have happened if you hadn�t�" � Trying to
fold the coat�s arms, she couldn�t control her
violently shaking hands.

�� Gosunkugi brought a finger to his lips. �"Ssssh�"

�� Spotting several warriors that hadn�t seen them
yet, Gosunkugi thrust out a clawed hand at the fallen
warriors and pointed at the threat with his other
hand.

�� "Stay right behind me."

�� She stepped up to him and hugged him tight as her
sobs slowly started to wrack her body.

�� Furrowing his eyebrows in anger, Gosunkugi altered
the spell he was casting.

�� Leaping out of the fallen bodies, lines of
multi-colored energy made contact with the fingers of
his clawed hand and played around the hand.� From the
other hand a solid beam of pure energy shot out of the
pointed finger.� Playing it like a hose, Gosunkugi
sliced through everything in its path: flesh, bone,
metal and the occasional tree. 

                   ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

��� Strolling among the enemy as if on a Sunday walk,
Cologne had exaggerated her motion to make her breasts
bounce around disarmingly. �This, she observed, tended
to make any warrior facing her lose his concentration
long enough for her to tap him or the ground nearby
with the staff.� The recipient would then blow up
satisfactorily.� The umbrella had been unfurled to
keep most of the flying bits from touching her.

�� *Wish I could tell Plum on this effective way to
distract the opponents.� I do hope she�s okay.*

�� Seeing a burst of streaming energy at the corner of
her eye, she changed direction and headed towards the
source.

                   ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

��� Happousai�s technique of mass destruction was the
most effective against the groups of Musk dynasty
warriors.� Hurling several hundred chi �firebursts� to
keep them pinned, he�d dash in and leave each enemy a
�gift� even before the last of the firebursts had gone
off.� So swift was he that none of the disconcerted
warriors were able to land a blow.

�� As the �gifts� detonated, he would again blanket
the area with several hundred more �firebursts�,
�purifying� the area.� When the smoke cleared there
remained upturned earth and nothing more.

�� Because his firebursts required less chi energy
than the fireballs that Ranma had been using,
Happousai had very little problems in using the
technique repeatedly.� In less than no time, all
warriors grouped together had been blasted from the
face of the earth.

�� Mopping up the solo targets, Happousai would attach
a chi �fireburst� at a shuriken and hurl several of
them at the unsuspecting warrior.� The multi-stage
explosions were pretty, if anyone actually bothered to
watch.� Barely winded, he looked around for more
targets to practice on.

�� Spotting Cologne walking nonchalantly, Happousai
declared the area free of infestation and headed off
to meet her.

                   ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

�� Ranma-onna was royally pissed.� So far she hadn�t
found her main target.� In the several tents she had
checked out, there were armored warriors, but none
were the one she was looking for.� Violating her own
rules of engagement, she dealt with each succeeding
warrior with increasing physical violence.� It
released some of the frustration building up in her,
but wasn�t satisfying enough.

�� Several of the armored ones were tough.� Their
sentries, on the other hand, were pathetic.� Either
the Musk dynasty has gotten lax or her martial arts
proficiency had reached ridiculous levels.� By the
time she had completed her search in all the
moderately-sized fancy tents, Ranma-onna was also
patterned in blood, most of it not hers, and had
several minor cuts and bruises.

�� Reaching the last and largest of the group, she
approached it cautiously.� Seeing no sentry posted,
Ranma-onna was instantly suspicious.� Stretching her
senses, she felt the presence of a solitary entity.

�� Herb.

�� Erecting an energy barrier, she took several steps,
leapt and entered through the roof.

�� Creating a small crater upon impact, Ranma-onna let
the dust settle as she held her pose.� One arm was
stretched forward, palm outward, golden chi forming a
large vertically-oriented disc in front of her. � Her
other arm was tucked by her waist, an intense silver
chi completely enveloping her �blade� hand.

�� To find a gagged and bound female Herb lying on a
cot.� Thick rope tightly bound her thighs and arms. 
It was stretched across her body squeezing her breasts
and ran tightly down her mound.� Her legs were spread
apart and were tucked in under her.� Her arms were
also behind her and the cord that tied her hands
overlapped with the ones binding her ankles.� It
didn�t look comfortable.

�� She was wearing a cloth parody of her armor, with
the fabric over her breast ripped off and her sex
barely covered by an abbreviated groin cloth.� Her
pants were in tatters.� Thrust into her was a large
vibrating dildo, held fast by the rope over her
mound.� The vibrator�s humming sound almost masked the
little groans that occasionally escaped from Herb�s
gag.

�� Hearing and feeling the spectacular entrance,
Herb�s tear filled eyes flew open, wide in fear.�
Seeing Ranma-onna, her eyes dilated even more.

�� Stunned, Ranma-onna let the chi dissipate.� Rushing
to Herb, Ranma-onna kneeled beside her and reached out
to remove the gag.� Ranma-onna was speared by Herb�s
large eyes, seeing its gaze shift - she was looking
over Ranma�s shoulder.

�� *Uh-oh.*

�� Ranma-onna turned around abruptly.� In time to see
water, hurled - by a familiar looking ladle - her
way.� Oh shit. 

                   ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

�� Meeting on a green patch surprisingly clear of
bodies, Happousai noted the Cologne�s chest was still
bared.� He quickly looked away.

 � *What�s his problem?*� "Something wrong, Happy?"

�� "I think you can close your shirt now, Cologne."

�� Shaking the umbrella free of dried bits, Cologne
stabbed it into the ground.� "Aren�t you pleased to
see my body?" �There was a hint of a smile on her
face.

�� "Don�t tell me, killing turns you on."

�� "And if it did."� She took his arm and hugged it.�
Her shirt still hadn�t been buttoned.

�� "Cologne!"

�� "You know, it�s been a long time since I�ve pleased
a man."� Slowly rubbing his arm, she looked longingly
at the handsome ninja.

�� "Cologne, NOW is definitely NOT the time. �
Besides, I thought your law stated that only the
victor gets that right."

�� "I�ve been banished, remember.� Their laws no
longer apply to me, and even if it still did, you�ve
already defeated me several times."

�� "When, Cologne?� We�ve never dueled."

�� "Oh, what about the times that I either tried to
kill myself or was hell bent on revenge.� On those
times we fought like crazy, and you always won no
matter how merciless or underhanded I was."

�� "That doesn�t count."

�� "You�re not going to help me relieve my pent up
energy then?"� Although pouting, there was a trace of
seductiveness in it.

�� "Forgive me, Cologne.� I can�t in clear conscience
take you up on your offer.� I�d feel that I was taking
advantage."

�� "Oh well," She let go of his arms, "I wonder what�s
it like with an umbrella?� It�s long and hard enough."

�� "Cologne!" Shocked, he turned around to stop her.

�� To see her laughing at him.� The way her breasts
shook was too much, Happousai did an embarrassed
about-face.

�� "Oh, Happy.� You�re so fun to tease."

�� Happousai refused to be baited.

�� Having buttoned her shirt, Cologne picked up her
umbrella, shook it open, and propped it on her
shoulder.� Walking past Happousai, she patted his
fanny.

�� Happousai stared hard at her, wondering which part
of the bizarre incident was her hormones talking and
which part was really her.



�� Gosunkugi stood by a tree where several blackened�
�things� lay.� Girlish arms were wrapped around his
waist.� He greeted Cologne with a raised eyebrow and a
tired smile.

�� Cologne�s grin was teasing.� "Is that Plum behind
you?"

�� "Yes."� An answer barely louder than a whisper.

�� Leaning to one side, Cologne took stock of the
greatcoat that Plum was wearing and the ragged remains
of her clothes near a tree.  Dropping her grin, she
took a step closer and examined Plum.� The girl seemed
asleep, her tear streaked face calm.� Occasionally her
body would involuntarily shudder, betraying the
turmoil inside.

�� Cologne placed a soothing hand on Plum�s forehead.�
"How long has she been like that."

�� "Ever since I used The Dancing Finger of Death."�
On Happousai�s arrival, Gosunkugi used the same
eyebrow-smile greeting.

�� Happousai recognized the charred objects for what
they were, and examined the corpses.� "What happened
to them?"

�� "They were going to rape Plum."

�� Happousai looked at Cologne, her face was
unreadable.  "Did they die painfully?"

�� "Very."

                   ~*~*~*~*~*~*~

�� Spotting the guide and Dr. Toufu approaching,
Tatewaki sheathed his swords and awaited their
arrival.

�� "You�re wounded, Tatewaki-san." �Dr. Toufu reached
into his shoulder bag and removed the appropriate
bandages.

�� Shucking off his kimono, Tatewaki shrugged. �"�Tis
only a flesh wound, doctor.� The lightning that I had
summoned had effectively cauterized them.� Fear not, I
shall live."

�� "I must say, you guys did a thorough job."

�� "At what cost, good doctor, at what cost.� Shall my
soul be forever damned?� Will I be haunted by the
faces of those I have murdered?� Can I every truly
trust myself with my blades?"� Tatewaki shook his head
miserably, "I fear that the price was too high."

�� Having patched Tatewaki, Dr. Toufu gave a frank and
reflective appraisal.� He leaned over and whispered
something to the guide.� The guide looked sharply at
Dr. Toufu.� The doctor returned a neutral gaze.� The
guide moved off, searching for any survivors to do
away with.

�� His face a mask, Dr. Toufu used his most commanding
tone.� "Hand me your sword."

�� Surprised at first, Tatewaki tried to outstare the
doctor.� After several minutes he pulled out a Katana
and handed it hilt first.

�� Testing the balance of the blade, Dr. Toufu nodded
to himself.� "There is only one way to find out."

�� Without warning, Dr. Toufu launched himself at
Tatewaki.

�� Pulling out his other sword with a fast draw,
Tatewaki had barely enough time to block the attack.�
Dr. Toufu pressed the attack, drew closer, and
gut-punched Tatewaki.

�� Reeling back, Tatewaki�s defenses was mercilessly
hammered away.� Dr. Toufu didn�t give Tatewaki a
chance to regain balance.� To further addle the
younger man, Dr. Toufu included martial arts attacks
that got through the sword�s defenses.

�� Unused to the odd technique, Tatewaki tried to
rally time and time again using the various techniques
available to him, only to be caught flat by one of the
doctor�s unique assault.� Slowly, Tatewaki was
gathering a series of minor, non-lethal, cuts.� As far
as Tatewaki could sense, Dr. Toufu did not hold back
on his attacks.� If he kept up with the doctor�s
murderous pace, his strength would slowly drain away.

�� Enraged, Tatewaki put all his strength in his
parries as he tried to get the upper hand, but Dr.
Toufu deftly forced him back into the defensive.

�� He tried to power up his aura.� After several
attempts he gave up,�for some unknown reason it
refused.� Every unsuccessful attempt gave the doctor
several free attacks.� This made Tatewaki even more
furious.

�� Full of pent up anger and with a scream unnervingly
primal he seamlessly got into the offensive.� Finally
shifting the balance of power, Tatewaki unhesitatingly
used his most devastating attack.� Without the need of
chi, Tatewaki jabbed his sword rapidly, his arms ablur
as he strode towards Doctor Toufu.

�� Only when the Katana Dr. Toufu was using flew off
and landed blade first into the ground, did he stop
his advance.

�� Reeling back the rest of his attacks, Tatewaki was
quite unprepared for the sight that greeted him.

�� Dr. Toufu was smiling at him, completely unscathed.

�� "What..?"

�� Picking up the fallen sword, Dr. Toufu wiped it
clean on a conveniently available corpse and handed it
back to Tatewaki.� He again pulled out several more
bandages.

�� "Tell me, did you give it your all in the last
attack.� One of you specialties if I�m not mistaken."

�� Tatewaki was bewildered and looked it. "I thought I
had perfected it�"

�� "You did."� Dr. Toufu tapped his goggles, "I used
the zoom function to watch your earlier fight."

�� "Then why are you unhurt?"

�� "You pulled your punch, so to speak.� Even when you
were clearly pissed off."� Clapping Tatewaki�s unhurt
shoulder, Dr. Toufu went after the guide.� "C�mon,
let�s find the rest."

�� "Does that mean�"

�� "Your soul is fine, Tatewaki."

�� "I am relieved."� A trace of anger crossed his
face, "That was rather foolish of you Dr. Toufu.� You
shouldn�t have placed yourself in such dire jeopardy
by testing your abilities against mine.� I don�t think
I could bear to face, not only my significant other,
but yours as well, with news that it was I who was the
one responsible for your injuries."

�� "Excellent swordsman you may be, most of the
techniques you employed are well known.� Only when you
shifted to the attack you created and mastered did I
start having problems.� So, I was never in any danger.
�The fact that you even felt guilt for your earlier
actions meant that you basically have a good heart."

�� "Ah."� Query was now the dominant expression,
"Basically?"

�� "I can�t vouch for the rest of your attitudes."

�� Tatewaki had to smile at that.



�� They found the guide with Happousai, Cologne,
Gosunkugi and Plum.� The guide seemed agitated and was
trying to reach Plum, who still hugged Gosunkugi.�
Happousai was holding the guide back.

�� "Good thing you�re here doc.� Will you please tell
the guide that Plum is safer if she stays as she is."

�� "What happened."

�� Gosunkugi addressed Dr. Toufu, even though he
wasn�t facing him.� "Shock.� This, I believe, is the
first time she had to kill.� Plus the fact that she
was nearly raped�"

�� "Hmmm.� Two strong conflicting emotions. �Have you
tried to move her?"

�� Cologne nodded.� "The slightest pull away from
Gosunkugi and she�d hold on tighter."

�� "Are you uncomfortable Gosunkugi-san?"

�� "I�m fine doctor."

�� Dr. Toufu took the guide aside and talked to him at
length.� When they came back to the group, the guide
now looked at Gosunkugi in gratitude.� "The guide will
stay with Gosunkugi-san and his daughter. �I need a
volunteer to stand guard over them."

�� Tatewaki strode forth. "I�ll do it."

�� He nodded solemnly to Dr Toufu.� The doctor
returned an understanding nod.

�� "Okay.� The rest of us had better search for
Ranma."

�� "Uh, guys."� Cologne�s odd tone caught their
attention.� "I think I found her."

�� Looking at the direction she was pointing at, a
spiraling vortex of energy was slowly dissipating.

�� Her voice got smaller. "�and I think we�re in
really deep trouble."



�� In the distance, obscuring part of the low hanging
full moon like a seething, roiling cloud, wave upon
wave of winged figures flew towards them. 


------------------------------------
POST SCRIPT:

** Sadly, I do not know of any Japanese Mythological
Figure that has the same powers as the above mentioned
Creatures of Legend.  Thus, I am forced to use what I
know. 

-�Blah, blah, blah, blah, yadda, yadda, yadda, etc.,
etc.  By this time you know the drill about why I
spell certain names a certain way and why complete
names flop around depending if its part of the speech
or the narrative.

-�Taking a brief hiatus of ten days after Chapter 4,
Chapter 5 was completed six days later.

-�By now you would have noticed that all the chapter
titles start with the letter �R� (Must have been my
Sesame Street indoctrination). �Sometimes I wonder why
I persist, it gets harder and harder to find an
appropriate title.

-�Just like the previous chapters, running updates and
modifications were done from time to time.

-�If you think the massacre of the Musk Dynasty
warriors is too violent, try reading Rumiko
Takahashi-sama�s INU-YASHA.

- For those who have just encountered this chapter,
the previous chapter can be found either in the FFML
archive or at http://fvector.virtualave.net/rv-1.htm
(for Chapter 1).  Replacing the number will give the
appropriate chapter (ex: rv-2.htm is Chapter 2, etc.)

- Succeeding chapters can be found at
http://fvector.virtualave.net/rv-6.htm (for Chapter 6
- see above to get the other chapters).  

- This story is the first draft of the only Ranma
fan-fic I will ever write.  C&C will be used as a
guide for the re-write (which will happen 3 months
after the last chapter is posted).  As always, please
send all C&C privately to either fvector@yahoo.com or fvector@usa.net

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